Ferguson orders three weeks rest for Chicharito

Sir Alex Ferguson has ordered rest for Javier Hernandez.

The Daily Star says Hernandez has just helped Mexico win the Gold Cup but Fergie is worried about burn-out and has given him three weeks off.

Hernandez, who scored 20 goals for United in his first season, will not join the squad until the second week of their trip to America.

Hernandez is not expected to play in any of the pre-season games on tour.

He will make his return to action in Paul Scholes’ testimonial against New York Cosmos in August or the Community Shield clash with rivals Man City.

Ferguson handing Chicharito £50,000-a-week pay-rise

Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to hand Javier Hernandez a bumper pay-rise.

The Sun says United plan to boost the 20-goal Mexican striker's pay by £50,000 a week to £75,000-a-week.

Ferguson is adamant hitman Hernandez, 23, is going nowhere so soon after joining from Chivas for £6m on a four-year contract.

Hernandez is currently one of the lowest-paid players at United on £25,000 a week.

Nani and Chicharito win Manchester United Player of the Year awards!

Nani and Javier Hernandez have picked up Manchester United's Player of the Year awards.

Portugal international Nani won the club's Players' Player of the Year prize after scoring nine goals and setting up a further 18 in the Premier League this season, helping the club to a record 19th title.

Rio Ferdinand was quick to congratulate his team-mate onTwitter, revealing that he had voted for the former Sporting Lisbon man.

“I voted for Nani for my player of the year, 18 assists+about 10goals speaks for itself! Well done @luisnani on players player of year award!,” Ferdinand wrote.

Nani has found greater consistency than in previous campaigns, a factor he alluded to when picking up his honour.

“This has been my most consistent season for United,” said the 24-year-old, who almost beat Hernandez to the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award, which is voted for by fans, but fell just one per cent short in the vote.

“Every year I’ve been here I have improved and this one was fantastic for me. I created a lot of goals and scored more than last season, so I’m very happy. I hope to do even better next season.”

Hernandez won his award after a debut season in which he notched 13 Premier League goals, with highlights being his first-minute opener against title rivals Chelsea and an audacious header away at Stoke City.

The Mexican picked up 21% of the vote, and said upon receiving his award: "I dreamt about playing for Manchester United and thought perhaps in my first season I’d play for the Reserves with maybe a few minutes in the first team. But thanks to the boss and all my team-mates I have played a little bit more!”

Upon news of the youngster’s success, Ferdinand tweeted: “Chicharito won fans player of the year...fully deserved, has fitted in so well here + scored many vital goals. Huge future!”

Other award winners on the night were Ryan Tunnicliffe, who picked up the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year for helping United to the Youth Cup Final, and Oliver Gill, who received the title of Reserve Player of the Year 2011.

Messi says Chicharito would fit in easily at Barcelona

Lionel Messi feels Javier Hernandez would settle quickly at the Nou Camp.

Chicharito has been linked with Barca's bitter rivals Real Madrid.

Messi told the Telegraph: "Hernandez could fit us. He speaks Spanish and has a great style. It is difficult to predict what he does in a fight next, and that's what we see as a strength of our team.

"Wayne Rooney could also be possible. He has been playing at the highest level of recent years – I am sure that his style in no time he could adapt to the Spanish conditions."

Pele: Chicharito could be the new Lionel Messi

Brazilian legend Pele has heaped praise on Manchester United's Javier Hernandez, arguing that the Mexico striker could reach the same heights achieved by Argentine maestro Lionel Messi.

The 22-year-old has been in fantastic form since moving from Chivas in 2010, scoring 20 times in 42 appearances, and Pele had kind words for the young forward.

"There is no doubt that Hernandez is a promising player. He is excellent, I have seen some games of his on television and he is a fantastic footballer," the three-time World Cup winner told reporters at a press conference held on Monday afternoon. 

"He could be the next Messi because he has great talent; he is a big surprise just as Hugo Sanchez was because he is another that scores a lot of goals.

"We should wait a little, because we still don't know how he will play in the Mexican team... but without doubt, he has huge potential."

Messi also found himself in Pele's spotlight, but the Brazilian had rather less complimentary words for the Barcelona star and fellow protagonist in the Champions League final. 

"There is a big difference between Barcelona's Messi and Argentina's Messi. When Messi plays in the Seleccion he is not the same player," he concluded.

Aguirre: Javier Hernandez is Torres' equal

Former Atletico Madrid and Mexico boss Javier Aguirre believes Javier Hernandez can be considered Fernando Torres' equal.

Hernandez, who joined Manchester United from Mexican side Guadalajara last summer, has been a revelation in the Premier League and has already established himself as a key part of Sir Alex Ferguson's plans.

The 22-year-old's £6 million fee is in stark contrast to the British record £50 million Chelsea paid for Torres, 27, in January but, having managed both players, Aguirre believes there is little between the duo.

"I actually think there are a lot of similarities between Javier and Fernando as players and people," he said in The Times. "They are both very polite and very hard-working. They can be the reference for their teams and they can make the difference in the biggest games.

"I do not have favourites because players are like your children and you can't choose one over the other, but the only difference between Fernando and Javier right now is that Fernando has more experience. In everything else, they are equals."

Real Zaragoza coach Aguirre also revealed that Hernandez, who has been linked with Real Madrid, would have no intention of leaving Old Trafford.

"I have known Javier since he was one," Aguirre said. "I was in the same Mexico team as his father, also Javier, for four years and our families were very close.

"I worked in Spain for many years, so this meant our families did not see each other as much after I left Mexico but, when I became coach of the national team, I called Chicharito up and the story began again. We recovered our relationship.

"I first saw him play when he was 15 and he was one of two players from Guadalajara who everyone was talking about. You could tell straightaway that he was a special talent because he was always looking for the goal, but I have to admit that when I heard he was signing for Manchester United, I feared it could be too soon because they are such a big club and he was still very young.

"But he is so keen to learn and works hard all the time in training, and this has helped him to be a success straightaway.

"Recently we went to Manchester to have dinner with Javier and his family, and he is very happy there. He loves Sir Alex Ferguson as a manager and as a person and he loves the club, the country and the Premier League. He told me about when he joined the club and Sir Alex took care of his family personally. That meant a lot to him and it is things like this that mean Javier does not want to join any other club."

Da Silva twins full of praise for fans hero Chicharito

Da Silva twins have hailed the impact made by teammate Javier Hernandez this season.

The Mexican gets along with both Brazilians, who have helped the former Chivas star to settle.

Rafael said: "He's a great player. He has a lot of room to develop further, like us, but he started well and has been important for the team. I often mix with him, but I speak more English than him."

Fabio also told Globoesporte: "He is loved by the fans, they already love him.

"You can see that Manchester hires the right people and chooses very well. Ferguson does not like spending much money."

Ferguson delighted with Man Utd strikers goals record

Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted with the output of his forward line.

Ferguson feels his striker's form has covered the injury problems his squad has suffered this season.

“What has kept us going despite the injuries we have had in defensive positions is that there has been a good goal threat from us. We have forwards who can win matches,” said Sir Alex.

“I am happy with our forward play. Chicharito’s development is a great bonus. Wayne Rooney’s form is coming back. They have been marvellous the two of them together.

“I said at the start of the season if we get two players who can score over 20 goals we are in with a great chance of winning something. Wayne is now on 12. Chicharito is on 17 and Berbatov is on 21. That is a good return and we have quite a few games left.

“I think my prediction is going to be accurate.”

Ferguson: Hernandez family pedigree forces Chicharito to succeed

Sir Alex Ferguson says Javier Hernandez's football pedigree has helped him become the player he is.

The striker has been a revelation for United this season.

"Not everybody can come to Manchester United and be a star," he Ferguson. "These talented youngsters need to become involved gradually, as we did with [Cristiano] Ronaldo. But "Chicharito" has a great advantage. There are many father and son relationships in football, but in his case it is grandfather, father and son, all three having played in the World Cup finals [for Mexico].

"It gives a tradition to the family which he does not want to fail and pushes him to give his best – with an incredible goal-to-shot ratio."

Chicharito: Forget Real Madrid, Man Utd best in world

Javier Hernandez says he's playing for the best club in the world.

Chicharito has been linked with Real Madrid, which enjoys a bigger profile in Latin America than United.

But the Mexican told UEFA.com: "I didn't expect to play as much so I need to thank my team-mates, the coaching staff and God above all for the fact things are going so well for me.

"I always say I am in the best team in the world.

"My goals are down to the work of the whole team."

Ferguson: Chicharito has surprised us all

Sir Alex Ferguson admits they're surprised by how quickly Javier Hernandez has settled this season.

Chicharito struck both goals in United's 2-1 defeat of Champions League opponents Marseille last night.

Ferguson said: "I think we are surprised. When we bought him we thought it would take him some time to adjust first of all.

"He has adjusted to the physical part very well and he is lasting 90 minutes very well now.

"That has given us great options because we look at the main strikers as Wayne (Rooney), (Dimitar) Berbatov and Hernandez. With Hernandez's form the way it is we can make some changes now.

"Hernandez's pace and movement is helping us. He is real handful. You see the first goal, they boy's movement is fantastic.

"Wayne is enjoying the freedom behind Hernandez and is in really good form at the moment."

Hernandez to get £1million a year as a reward for his sensational debut season

Javier Hernandez is set to scoop £1million a year as a reward for his sensational debut season with Manchester United.

The Mexican hitman is among the lower earners at Old Trafford, picking up around £30,000 a week before bonuses.

But the man known as Chicharito has played such a crucial role in United's quest for a record 19th title that the club's paymasters are ready to recognise his importance to the side.

That will boost his pay to around £50,000 a week, with more to come if his success continues.

Ferguson: Chicharito signing was an absolute steal

Sir Alex Ferguson admits he's delighted with the business they did for Javier Hernandez.

Chicharito took his goal tally for the season to 13 by netting twice against Wigan last Saturday.

And Ferguson insists that means the £6million United paid Mexican club Chivas de Guadalajara for his services was an absolute bargain.

He said: “We’ve done fantastically well. We’ve stolen him!’’

But the Red Devils’ boss revealed Hernandez’s capture was not a lucky pick by his scouting network.

The Scot added: “It was quite a long process involved in bringing him here – and we prefer that. We analysed him and found out all about his background. Once we knew that, our scout Jim Lawlor stayed in Mexico and made sure we got the deal done.

“We got him across to England and sealed all the contracts. It was a good bit of business. It started in the December and we didn’t get the deal done until May but we’d been watching him since ­November.

“The reports were getting better and better so Jim spent a month in Mexico watching him in different games, internationals and things like that.

“His international record is incredible. He is scoring at better than a goal every other game.’’

Ferguson admits Chicharito is a better substitute at present

Sir Alex Ferguson says Javier Hernandez will start today's FA Cup tie with Crawley Town.

The Mexican has enjoyed a brilliant first season at United, hitting the net on 11 occasions.

Ferguson admits Chicharito is a better substitute at present as he gets used to the sheer pace of the English game.

"That is possibly true at this moment in time," said Ferguson.

"Javier's training performances have improved tremendously in the last couple of months. His work-rate and practice ethic have been very good.

"He comes in early and stays behind. He has done very well in that sense and is improving all the time.

"He is a great impact player."

The comparison with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is obvious and not one Ferguson refrains from.

"I did the same with Solskjaer," he said.

"When I was picking teams in really important games I always tended to dismiss Ole simply because as an impact player from the bench there was nobody better.

"Sometimes you have to choose your team that way particularly in difficult games. If you know it's going to be tight, being able to bring an impact player on can make a difference."

Macari urges Ferguson to go with Rooney over Chicharito

United great Lou Macari claims Ferguson has to stick with Rooney and feels Hernandez is better used as an impact substitute, in the style of 1990s favourite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

“It’s a big decision for the manager to even consider,” Macari told theMirror. “If he leaves Wayne out, it is then on the back pages for the next two weeks, so I don’t think he is going to go down that road.

“But putting the ball in the back of the net certainly is not happening for Wayne. It’s foolish for us to be talking about his scoring coming back, because it isn’t.

“With Hernandez, when he comes off the bench he seems a different player. He seems full of confidence, he’s got the pace for the ball over the top, he’s always on the end of things, and even if he doesn’t score he comes close.

“But that’s not the case when he starts games. He has not been so effective. It hasn’t really happened for him, but coming off the bench, he’s a super sub.”

Real Madrid told €50M needed for Man Utd to consider Chicharito sale

Javier Hernandez remains under consideration at Real Madrid as a January signing.

Marca says Real have three names they are targeting to solve their striker problems this month:Emmanuel Adebayor, Miroslav Klose and Hernandez.

Adebayor and Klose would be taken on-loan for six months, while Real know they would have to pay over the odds to sign Mexican star Chicharito.

Real have been told it would take €50 million - at least - to convince United to part with Hernandez.

Chicharito on why he prays before each match?

Javier Hernandez says prayer is an important part of his pre-match ritual.

Hernandez is a committed Christian who prays on the pitch before every game, to thank God for the helping realise his dreams.

But the deep-thinking Mexican centre-forward is far from selfish in his demands on the almighty.

Hernandez also asks before every match for God to look out for his team mates and the opposition, and keep them from serious injury on the pitch.

“I always pray on the pitch before a game. It is an important routine for me but it is not superstition,” Chicharito told the Mirror.

“I like to pray. I talk to God and I tell him to take care of the health of both teams because the worse thing for a sportsman are injuries and there are a lot of accidents on the pitch that nobody wants.

“I like to ask God to take care of me, because he gave me the opportunity to play.”

Mourinho asks Real Madrid chiefs to step up efforts to sign Javier Hernandez

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has asked the club’s management to redouble their efforts to try and land Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez in January, according to the Mexican record.com.mx Web site.

Gonzalo Higuain's injury and the apparent lack of faith of Karim Benzema has left Mourinho short up-front, and although Los Blancos have been linked with moves for VfL Wolfsburg hit-man Edin Dzeko and Athletic Bilbao front-manFernando Llorente , Hernandez is said to be the coach’s preferred target.

Real's interest in Hernandez was first reported last month. However, it would be an audacious effort to even try and land the Mexican. Ferguson snapped up the 22-year-old from Chivas Guadalajara before the World Cup, and he has adapted well to his new club, scoring a total of five goals in the Premier League and Champions League so far.

Ferguson: Hernandez just like Denis Law

Sir Alex Ferguson has likened Javier Hernandez to Denis Law for his heading ability.

Hernandez has enjoyed an excellent debut campaign for the Old Trafford outfit so far, netting seven goals in 18 appearances.

The Mexican’s first against Stoke that really caught the eye, though, as he rose in the penalty area, then delivered a back header with enough force to power it past Thomas Sorensen.

For such a physically slight individual, it was an amazing effort, that Ferguson feels deserves comparison with the best exponents.

"He has got the spring but he also has the ability to just hang there for a second or two, just like Denis Law and Ian St John.

"Some bigger players had great ability in the air but it is that talent to hang in the air for a fraction that can upset defenders."

It was an ex-mexico star that tipped off Man Utd on Chicharito. We have to thank him!!

Manchester United fans have former Mexican international Marco Garces to thank for tipping the club off about Javier Hernandez.

Garces told United chief scout Jim Lawlor about this promising young striker in September 2009 after the pair struck up a friendship during the four years he spent at Liverpool John Moores University studying for a sports science degree.

Lawlor sent one of his scouts to Mexico in December to assess Hernandez before jetting out to spend three weeks watching him in February and March.

Lawlor's in-depth report sold Hernandez to Sir Alex Ferguson and the United boss moved quickly to seal his secret £7million switch from Guadalajara when it became clear the attacker would be in Mexico's World Cup squad.

Hernandez is the first Mexican to play for United and Lawlor claims he has a network of contacts and scouts all over the world.

"We have our greatest number of scouts in the UK," he told the Mirror. "But players can come from anywhere in the world. You only have to look at some of the top players in world football and they come from small countries in Africa and other places. So we keep our scouts active everywhere and keep an open mind.

"We have one of the bigger scouting networks because we look to recruit the very best players in the world and you can't do that by scouting in just one country. We have an extensive network, which is growing all the time, and hopefully it will help us acquire the very best players."