Van Gaal: Chicharito Is Happy At United

Louis van Gaal insists Javier Hernandez is happy at Manchester United and says the Mexican will have a chance in the side on occasions when Wayne Rooney is played in a deeper role.

Chicharito was an unused substitute in the opening-day win over Tottenham Hotspur, having returned to Old Trafford following a season-long loan at Real Madrid.

Van Gaal says he is not interested in selling the 27-year-old, who "wouldn’t be here" if he was discontent at the club.

"Our aim is to play with Rooney in the striker’s position," van Gaal told reporters.

"We have chosen him and Chicharito will be the substitute, but Rooney can also play in the no.10 position, so Chicharito has a chance to play in the striker’s position.

"Normally, though, Rooney will play because we have the confidence that he will score more than 20 goals there, which is more than the strikers did last year."

Youngster James Wilson is United’s third option as an out-and-out striker and van Gaal was asked if he had enough firepower up front.

"It is not only dependable on those three players; it is dependable on the team and the team balance," van Gaal responded.

"So, you are only looking to the strikers for scoring goals, but it is not like that – a lot of players also have to score goals and will score."