Boss Sees Big Future For Chicarito

Chicharito can look forward to a "great future" in England after signing off his career in Mexico with a goal for old club Chivas against his United team-mates.

That's the belief of his new boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, who praised the striker for his part in Chivas' 3-2 victory at their impressive new ground, Estadio Omnilife.

"Chicharito was first class," said Sir Alex at the post-match press conference. "His goal for Chivas was a marvellous strike. He showed his real qualities tonight.

"Chivas played very well and they were very quick. They pressed the ball well and made things difficult for us. They deserved to win.

"As for us, we've been away for three weeks. We've done lots of travelling and I think the players need to go home and rest now."

After completing the first 45 minutes for the Mexican side, Chicharito changed teams and played for United until the hour mark - as planned by the manager.

"It was always my intention to give him only 15 minutes of the second half as he is in the process of recovering from the World Cup," confirmed Sir Alex.

"He will now do some fitness training and endurance work when he arrives in Manchester and he will play more games.

"The boss is pleased with the way his new acquisition has acquitted himself during his first week with the United squad.

"Chicharito has done really well," said Sir Alex. "The players have all remarked how good he is and what a great finisher he is - I think there are similarities between him and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

"The players are all supportive of him and have welcomed him to the club. I think he has a great future with us."

Where Chicharito's future lies in terms of a precise role within the team remains to be seen, of course. Sir Alex was quizzed at the press conference about the prospect of deploying the Mexican in a three-pronged attack.

"The 4-3-3 formation suits us in some games, particularly in Europe because it's important to guard against the counter-attack and keep possession," replied the United manager.

"I think Chicharito can play as a lone striker, there's no question about that. He did it in the World Cup for Mexico. But there are big possibilities of a partnership with Wayne Rooney and other players."