With Manchester United going through a difficult time at the moment, the demanding Old Trafford faithful are willing to see the back of quite a lot of under-performing first team members of the squad in order to pave the way for a new era at the club.
However, one person whom the United fans will be desperately looking to keep hold of next season though, is the likeable figure of Javier Hernandez. The Mexican superstar is simply adored by Reds’ faithful and majority, if not all United fans, would undoubtedly be deeply saddened if he left the club.
The 25-year old’s attitude, selflessness and commitment to the Red Devils since joining the club in 2010 has been admirable. Although not a regular starter since joining United, the striker has never complained about the lack of minutes coming his way and has kept his head down, giving his all for the club.
Considering the game-time Hernandez receives, his record of 57 goals in 141 appearances for the Red Devils is simply sensational and his uncanny knack of scoring important goals off the bench has led to the fans labeling him as the new ‘Baby-faced assassin’, in comparison to United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
However, despite the adulation he enjoys at United, the future of the striker at the club now looks in serious doubt. Yes, Hernandez is at one of the biggest clubs in the world and the striker has expressed his affections for United in the past. But a footballer of his quality certainly deserves to be more than just a super-sub.
Although, making an impact off the bench is a role Hernandez has fulfilled to great effect over the years, he is now at a stage of his career where he needs to be starting regularly. As United are currently going through a transitional period under David Moyes this season, Hernandez has suffered and looks unlikely to be handed regular starts ahead of the likes of Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney or Danny Welbeck.
Having made only 3 Premier League starts during the current campaign, Hernandez has been criminally under-used by Moyes and it can be noticed that the striker is no longer entirely happy with such a role at the club.
Mexico National Team manager Miguel Herrera recently claimed publicly that Hernandez is frustrated at United and it would certainly be a cause for concern for the club: “Chicharito is frustrated because the current coach doesn’t give him many minutes, but he continues to be very committed,” said Miguel Herrera to the ESPN’s Raza Deportiva.
It is clear to see that United value him a lot and Hernandez is also aware of the fact that he is important for the club. But, you cannot help but wonder if the 25-year old is thinking to himself that he could be so much better off if he is starting week-in, week-out rather than getting the odd 15-20 minutes from the bench.
The Red Devils would certainly not be looking to sell Hernandez and it is now completely in the hands of the striker to decide his fate at Old Trafford. The 25-year old would be reluctant to leave the club where he is loved by millions, but no one can blame him if he does in fact decide to move on for the sake of his career.
