Owen Issues Hernandez Warning

Michael Owen has warned new Manchester United star Javier Hernandez that he cannot afford to rest on his laurels.

Hernandez has made a blistering start to his United career and so far looks a bargain at the £7million that Sir Alex Ferguson paid Guadalajara to secure his services before this summer's World Cup.

The 22-year-old Mexican striker has shouldered the goalscoring responsibility in the last two games to give United fans something to cheer following the Wayne Rooney saga.

Hernandez, nicknamed 'Chicharito', scored twice on Sunday to secure a 2-1 win at Stoke before coming off the bench to claim the winner in Tuesday night's 3-2 Carling Cup win over Wolves, taking his tally to six goals in 11 appearances.

Owen, who has been on the fringes again this season, feels Hernandez has been a welcome addition at Old Trafford.

But having just suffered another injury setback with a hamstring problem that will keep him out of action for several weeks, Owen has told his new team-mate he should not take his early success at United for granted.

"It's obviously early days for him but he's made a really good impression at the club, scored goals in the last couple of games," he said.

"He's young, sharp and a good finisher. He seems to be thriving, he's always got a smile on his face, he enjoys his football and the fans have taken to him already.

"So far so good, but, as I know, football can change in a week.

"Hopefully it's the start of something good for him, but he needs to keep working hard and keep putting in those performances because at Man United that's what it demands - you score one week, but if you play poorly the next week then you could be out the team so you need to always be on top of your game.

"Thankfully he's playing well at the minute, and long may that continue."