Manchester United striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez has been linked with rumors that he is heading out of Old Trafford. Chicharito has had an especially difficult time at Old Trafford, because of the limited role he has played since joining the squad in 2010. The Mexican striker is better known for his late appearances as a substitute in games, rather than for his raw goal-scoring ability. Thus, Manchester United have their hands full in figuring out whether to keep, loan, or sell the 26-year old Mexican during the summer transfer window.
KEEP HIM?
If the Red Devils were to keep Chicharito, United would have to pay a rather large sum of £80,000 per week for a bench player. Manchester United already have efficient all-star starting strikers in Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney.
In addition, Hernandez would be in competition with England international Danny Welbeck, who has looked in top form on the Manchester United U.S. Tour. Nineteen year-old James Wilson would be another United striker to keep an eye on, because of his stellar debut to cap off the Premier League season with two goals against Hull City.
With all the competition surrounding Chicharito, it would be wise of him to look for a new destination.
LOAN HIM?
A loan for Chicharito would not be bad option for the Red Devils or the 26 year- old. Chicharito needs to see more time on the pitch and become a starter for any club that will provide him with the opportunity.
But even if Hernandez were to perform well while on loan, he would still be second-fiddle to van Persie and Rooney barring bad play or injury. If Hernandez were to be put on loan by Manchester United, he must hope to find a situation similar to that of powerful Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku.
Entering the Premier League last season as a member of Chelsea, Lukaku was loaned to EPL side Everton on the last day of the summer transfer window. With Lukaku’s presence as a Toffee, he scored 15 goals in 31 league appearances and led Everton to a fifth-place league finish with a club best of 72 EPL points.
Many teams would love to have a player with the pace and goal-scoring ability of the Mexican striker, as he would be a starter for most teams in the big leagues of Europe.
One side that has shown heavy interest in the Mexican has been Serie A side Inter Milan. As for now, Inter would like to have Chicharito on loan for the 2014-2015 season or perhaps even swap current Inter Milan central midfielder Fredy Guarin for Hernandez.
Not only would Inter be receiving a quality striker, but also Manchester United would be getting a versatile midfielder who is comfortable playing on the right or in the central part of the midfield and can pass efficiently with either foot.
SELL HIM?
With two years remaining on Chicharito’s contract, United would want to get rid of his contract and sell it to another team, if possible, by the end of the transfer window. By selling the Mexican striker, United will have more money to spend this summer in an attempt to lure star players such as Arturo Vidal, Edinson Cavani, and Mats Hummels to Old Trafford.
With Hernandez likely to get less playing time this season because of current United strikers Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney leading the frontline, Chicharito would be better suited in finding playing time elsewhere.
Chicharito has hinted his frustration with Manchester United and his playing time by posting a picture on Instagram back in February in which he is speaking at a press conference with the caption: “The time to speak about so many things will come…”
It is still a mystery if Chicharito wants to stay at the club. But a player of his caliber and quality deserves more playing time, and at Old Trafford, he is unlikely going to get such a chance.
