Chicha Plays Down Ole Link

Sir Alex likened Javier Hernandez to Reds legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after the Mexican’s late winner at West Brom, although the young forward was quick to play down the comparison.

“It’s great to hear and it’s good motivation for me, but I know I need to work a lot to be like him,” Hernandez told MUTV.

The manager's comments are understandable. After all, both Solskjaer and Hernandez arrived at Old Trafford as relative unknowns, both scored on their Reds debuts and both make finding the net look remarkably easy.

Chicharito is even earning a reputation as a super-sub, a tag Solskjaer made his own during his 11 years as a United player. Nobody has scored more goals for the Reds off the bench than Ole (28), although if Hernandez continues his incredible strikerate – Saturday’s header against West Bromwich Albion was his fifth in 12 substitute appearances – he’ll surely challenge that record.

For now, though, the 22-year-old is just happy to play his part as the Reds seek to regain the league title.

“The win [at West Brom] was very important,” he said. “We knew it would be difficult but we’re very happy because we’ve started the year with a victory.

“They did well to score and they had another opportunity with the penalty kick. They missed, which was good for us because we knew we could go on and win the match.

“If they scored we would have been a goal down and that would have been more difficult.”

Instead, Peter Odemwingie scuffed his shot and the ball trickled wide of the goal. Less than 15 minutes later, Hernandez popped up to head United in front and secure the points.

“I remember I was near the goalkeeper, Wazza crossed the ball, I moved towards it and headed it into the goal. It was nice to celebrate in front of our fans.”

Chicharito’s goal capped a memorable festive period for the Mexican, who, despite only playing 38 minutes of the Reds’ last three fixtures, described this Christmas as the best he’s ever had.

“It’s been different for me but I’m very happy,” he said. “This has been the best Christmas – I’m here with all my family and I’m playing with Manchester United.

“Now it’s important to get three points against Stoke at home [on 4 January].”