Chicharito Denied First Hat-trick

The Premier League have denied Javier Hernandez a first Manchester United hat-trick by confirming the Reds' second strike against Aston Villa on 10 November was an own goal.

Chicharito's far-post volley at Villa Park was deflected into the net by Ron Vlaar and the goal has been credited to the home side's Dutch defender by the Dubious Goals Panel.

Hernandez had already kick-started United’s second-half fightback after coming on as a half-time substitute and secured a memorable 3-2 victory when he headed home three minutes from time.

Afterwards the Mexican carried the matchball off the pitch and did his best to claim the contentious goal, saying: "I've seen the replay and I think it's going on target.

"The defender tried to get it away but I think he kicked it in the same direction as I shot."

So the 24-year-old's wait for a first treble in the red shirt continues, though he has now hit seven braces overall and will be delighted with a recent run of form that has yielded seven goals in his last six games.