The future of Javier Hernandez at Manchester United has been under a lot of speculation, with conflicting reports regarding if he will stay a the club, or be sold. The Mexican international spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, having mixed success there. But having returned from his loan spell, nobody is quite sure what will happen next.
Hernandez has crafted something of a reputation as a ‘super-sub’ similar to United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. But as well as being adept as a poacher, Hernandez also offers a different style of play compared to the other strikers in the squad allowing for more tactical options and variation. He has improved in other areas of his game to his credit and deserves the opportunity to showcase that.
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Obviously going into the Champions League; a bigger squad is needed to ensure both domestic and European campaigns are not compromised by injuries and fatigue. That means Javier Hernandez would be a great player to have on the bench, and could start league games if the other strikers are going to be rested for European games – that is if of course, United navigate the Champions League play-offs.
Hernandez has said he wants to play first team football, and it remains to be seen if being used in a rotational role will placate him for at least another season. There have been plenty of times the excuse used has been “Louis van Gaal just doesn’t like him so he will leave” but remember, Marouane Fellaini was on his way out at one stage last season but has since become a key member of the team.
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But let’s talk about competition. Wayne Rooney is a definite starter, unless he is injured because he is team captain and arguably the best striker in the team at the moment. With the signing of Memphis Depay, he could be used in a more wide role, which would also see him become a starter. So behind Rooney and Depay, we have Robin van Persie, then Javier Hernandez and James Wilson.
Wilson is young and although given the opportunities last season still hasn’t shown if he is completely ready. He may not go out on loan this season, but it could mean his minutes do increase if he doesn’t and is handed more opportunities. Or it could be the complete opposite and aside from a few cup games Wilson will be in for a quiet season, which would benefit Hernandez for sure.
Robin van Persie also has his future under speculation, with reports indicating interest from Italy about a possible move in the transfer window this summer. He was dogged by injuries last season and possible World Cup fatigue having helped his Netherlands side managed by van Gaal to a highly respectable third place, and scoring that iconic diving header against Spain in the process.
Therefore it is a tumultuous time for United’s strikers, all competing for a limited number of spaces. If one of Hernandez and van Persie leave, the other will most surely stay, so as to not leave the team understrength. This especially if no one can be bought in to replace them in time. The opportunity to impress will therefore have presented itself to the player who stays. They need to take that, Javier Hernandez more than anyone arguably.
So, in short, United should keep Javier Hernandez, at least for one more season. He provides great squad depth and the necessary experience as they look to juggle the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and the Champions League all in one season. He may not be as good as everyone first thought he might be, but he can still produce the goods and means no money has to be spent bringing someone new in.