da gbg bet： A fruitless loan spell at Real Madrid is likely to see Javier Hernandez return to Manchester United this summer. The Mexico international was somewhat ambitious if he thought he could genuinely become a first XI payer at the Bernabeu, but that hasn’t erased the record he had with United and, before that, Chivas Guadalajara.
da imperador bet： ‘Chicharito’s’ currency is goals. He is an old school 18-yard box predator, which has become a somewhat dying breed in modern football, where managers look for players to lead the line alone and offer presence as well as link-up play. Still, Hernandez is wanted by a host of Premier League clubs, and it looks as if the Red Devils could cash in on him.
But doing so may not be the wisest idea. Okay, it won’t be a Jaap Stam or Paul Pogba-esque mistake, but the 26-year-old still has plenty to offer and could play a big role for Louis van Gaal… and here are FIVE reasons the Dutchman should give him another chance.
Guarantees goals
Say whatever you want about Hernandez, but he gets goals. Okay, his link-up play isn’t always on point, he lacks the physicality and isn’t the quickest over a 100m sprint, but he knows what to do in the box. Goals win games, and Javier brings goals.
His role at Real Madrid has been a fringe one in La Liga – he’s started one game all season – but he’s still returned three goals in 237 minutes of action, which is better than one per 90 minutes. Not bad. His four years at United before the loan were also broken up with spells dipping in and out of the XI, yet he notched over 30 goals in just over 100 outings. One in three isn’t awful for an impact man.
Always a threat from the bench
Building on the last point, Hernandez makes a mark when called upon. His career has been one in which he’s been used from the bench. A lack of physicality means he functions best with support, which has rather limited his playing time. However, he’s always been good for a goal when given the chance, which could be of use to Louis van Gaal next season should, it looks likely, United return to mixing domestic and continental football.
Plenty of miles left on the clock
At 26, ‘Chicharito’ is slap bang in his ‘prime years’ and should still have plenty of time to run on his career. Injuries haven’t been a massive issue for him, so his fitness shouldn’t be a massive issue going forward, making him a reliable long-term option for the Red Devils.
Age is even more appealing given that Robin van Persie is now the wrong side of 30, while Wayne Rooney is not far behind at 29.
Won’t cost a penny
The £150m spend last summer suggests that cash isn’t a problem for United. And with a new Premier League TV deal, possible Champions League income, massive worldwide revenue streams and lucrative sponsorship agreements, the money should keep flowing. However, that doesn’t mean there’s no room for a bargain, and getting in Hernandez to offer depth and another option for nothing would free up funds to add defenders and get in a long-term replacement for Michael Carrick.
Loved by the fans
Fans love a tryer. Players willing to run get cut that bit more slack, and Hernandez’s willing attitude has always been appreciated at United. He may not be glamorous like Eric Cantona, a local lad like Gary Neville or a fearless leader like Roy Keane, but the Mexican has won a spot in many supporters’ hearts.