Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Mexican striker Javier Hernandez remains part of the plans at Old Trafford next season. The 24-year-old has grown frustrated about the life on the substitutes bench, as he has rarely made starts this season.
This is despite scoring seven goals since his £ 7 million move a few years ago. He has consistently found himself overlooked in favour of Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, and Danny Welbeck. This season has been especially difficult for him after the arrival of van Persie.
As a result, there have been reports linking that he would be involved in a swap deal with Atletico Madrid that will see Radamel Falcao move in the opposite direction. The future of defender Rio Ferdinand has also been under speculation, as his contract runs out in a few months time. Ferguson, though, confirmed that both players remain integral to the future of the club. Hernandez has once again been brilliant in front of goal this season. He has managed to get 16 goals in all competitions despite being a substitute in most matches.
Ferguson has praised the enthusiasm of the player, but it will not be long before he demands more playing action in order to protect his international career.
“There is no reason to think this is not the place for him [Hernandez. We hope he feels as though he has made a contribution. He has scored 16 goals. When he came on the other night [at West Ham] his movement was terrific. He created a lot of openings for us. I thought we were pretty unlucky not to win it. Their goalkeeper made a couple of saves, one shot was cleared off the line and he was very unlucky with a header,” said Ferguson in a recent interview.