There are very few players who are capable of becoming an instant fan favorite within short span of time that Javier Hernandez managed to do so with the Old Trafford faithful.In his first season at the club he earned rave reviews from fans and the press alike, he had earned himself the title of Solksjaer’s heir apparent. But apparently his second season at the club hasn’t been as much of a success as his previous season, but then has he really been as poor as is being claimed?
Before we judge his performances this season, we must consider his several other factors; first of which is that Hernandez hardly got a break in the summer as he was with the Mexican national team playing in the Gold Cup, scoring 7 goals in 6 games as Mexico went on to win the competition in style with a 4-2 win over USA in the final. After which he joined the United team just before the MLS All Stars game, during their pre-season tour of America, following a brief break but unfortunately he was sidelined with a concussion that kept him out till late August where he finally made his return as a sub against Tottenham in our 3-0 victory.
Over the next two months Hernandez scored several vital goals including a late equaliser against Liverpool, and also the winner against Everton. Hernandez’s goal scoring form continued as he scored against Swansea and Newcastle too before he picked another injury against Aston Villa, when he had to come off after just 11 minutes on the clock. He was supposed to be out for 4 weeks with ligament damage in his ankle but he made a surprise early return against QPR as substitute for Danny Welbeck.
Here’s a short comparison of Hernandez with other highly rated strikers in the EPL, who i think haven’t been at their best:
| Minutes Played | Goals Scored | Minutes/Goal | |
| Javier Hernandez | 889 | 6 | 148.2 |
| Luis Suarez | 1454 | 5 | 290.8 |
| Darren Bent | 1420 | 7 | 202.9 |
| Fernando Torres | 854 | 2 | 427 |
While i agree Hernandez hasn’t been as prolific in front of goal as last season but he’s scored several key goals and won us several points. Additionally he’s had to compete with Danny Welbeck who has been a revelation this season, so chances haven’t been coming his way too often either.
While Hernandez has been behind Welbeck in the pecking order this season, his goal return has been better than Welbeck who’s scored 5 goals in 973 minutes on the pitch. So Chicharito hasn’t been as bad as some have been making him out to be, he has himself admitted that injuries have hampered his season so far.
No matter how well opposing defenders adjust to his pace and movement it will be still a mammoth task to keep track of him when fully fit and this coupled with his ability to be at the right place at the right time make him a natural goalscorer. Underestimating him would be a huge folly on any opponents part, he might not be playing at his best but even then he’s shown he can score goals and be a threat in front of goal
I’m sure we’ll see his goal tally reach double figures before the end of the season and considering the interruptions his season have had so far, i’d say he’s been pretty decent so far. and if he can stay injury free till the end of the season, there’s nothing to stop him from scoring regularly.