Moyes must play Hernandez against Cardiff

Javier Hernandez has made just four appearances in the league this season, and has clearly reached the end of his tether. His passive-aggressive retweet of an article suggesting he deserves more playing time was the modern equivalent of holding a press conference and outlining his frustrations. For a man notable for playing with a smile on his face, this campaign he has been characterised by a grim determination on the rare occasions he has been part of David Moyes’ plans.

With Michael Carrick out injured, Moyes would be wise to play Wayne Rooney in the centre of midfield and pair Hernandez with Robin van Persie up front. Assuming there are no injury concerns, Rooney and van Persie will always be the first choice forwards, but Sunday’s trip to Cardiff provides the perfect opportunity to utilise an excellent player frustrated by his current status. The art of good management is keeping footballers happy and Manchester United’s treble winning season, in which Sir Alex Ferguson juggled four strikers of genuine quality, shows the rewards that can be reaped by rotating the forward line.

Chicharito, the little pea with the big heart, is one of the most popular players with the United fans. The baby-faced assassin is the natural heir to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, one of the most beloved figures in the club’s illustrious history and the man who scored the defining goal of that remarkable season fourteen years ago.

The affable Mexican has repeatedly stated his desire to be considered a good person, as well as a good footballer, and some stories have already become part of Old Trafford folklore. There was the time he returned to a supermarket with a signed shirt for a United-supporting employee who helped him find the pasta he desired. Or the moment last season when he shared a laugh with Chelsea’s Petr Cech after the goalkeeper’s stunning save from his header kept the blues in the FA Cup.

More importantly, Hernandez has all the attributes to become one of the finest strikers in the world. He is fast, two-footed, and, despite his height, superb in the air. His unorthodox header against Stoke City in his first season was described by Lee Dixon as one of the best he had ever seen, and it truly gets better with every viewing. It was certainly preferable to the one he scored on his competitive debut in the 2010 Community Shield when his shot deflected off his own face and into the net. Still, they all count.

The fact is, the Mexican has a habit of scoring goals and winning games. In the first half of last season, his goals against Newcastle and Aston Villa were absolutely crucial in United’s ultimately successful bid to reclaim the title. On one of his rare starts this campaign, his header knocked Liverpool out of the Capital One Cup and gave Moyes a much-needed win at a time when the atmosphere in the stands was in danger of becoming toxic.

Reports suggest plenty of clubs are interested in securing the services of Hernandez and he would be within his rights to wonder, if he cannot get a game for United this weekend, when will he? Losing a player of his quality would be a major blow and Moyes would be wise to make him a part of his plans, beginning with the game in South Wales.