Hernandez offers backing to United boss Van Gaal

Matt Stead

Javier Hernandez has offered his backing to Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.

Former United player Hernandez was sold by Van Gaal this summer after playing just five games across two seasons for the Dutchman, with a loan spell at Real Madrid in between.

Hernandez joined Bayer Leverkusen, and the Mexican has scored 25 goals in 37 games with the Bundesliga club.

On the other hand, United are struggling, sitting fifth in the Premier League, scoring just 40 league goals this season – the second-fewest in the top half.

But, speaking to Sky Sports, Hernandez has offered his backing to his former boss, saying: “He is a really good manager to be honest. He has his own ways like all the managers in the world.

“You will not find the new Sir Alex Ferguson in the next 50 or 100 years because he was unique. He was special.

“Van Gaal can do it but in football, time and results are going to speak about if he is the main man or if he is not.”

Hernandez left Old Trafford after five successful years after Van Gaal informed him that his playing time would be reduced this season.

“He just told me that my chances to play would be very hard,” Hernandez said. “I appreciate that he was very honest since the beginning.

“When I left, he told me my chances and my opportunities were going to be less because his main striker was going to be Wayne Rooney.

“If he wasn’t fit for example, I was going to play but when he was ready he would play.”