Chicharito hits his best form again to cause further selection problems

With the signing of Robin van Persie in the summer, things were looking bleak for Javier Hernandez after an injury-ridden season. Having hit the ground running in the first season, the young Mexican failed to reproduce any consistent form in his second year, and his play was heavily criticised amongst fans as being too one-dimensional. Despite a lack of games, Chicharito still managed to net over 10 goals in all competition and this year we’ve seen glimpses of the fantastic player he is.

Although he’s behind Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Dany Welbeck in the pecking order – when given the chance, Chicharito has been effective on the pitch and his two goals against Braga in midweek show how useful an asset he is when called upon. With United 2-o down in the early minutes, Hernandez netted two goals; including an impressive header that would turn out to be the winning goal.

In many respects he was unlucky not to get a hat-trick, with replays proving that the goal he scored just before half time shouldn’t have been ruled offside. United’s next two games are against Chelsea, and with Chicharito holding an excellent goalscoring record against the London club, it would be a surprise to not see him have a large part to play in the matches. Speaking after his double on Tuesday night, Chicharito said he was happy with the result and feels like he has nothing to prove.

“We knew the importance of this game, but the start was bad for us to be honest, conceding two goals at home. But happily we scored three and now we can look forward to the next game which is another very important one against Chelsea. I have nothing to prove. I always say I enjoy it a lot here. I have been ready since the start of the season and when the gaffer gives me my chance, I have to do my best. If I score it’s good. But if I don’t score the most important thing is the team.”