Hernandez has sub standards

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez does not know if it is luck or judgment which has made him the new Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Last Updated: 21/02/12 at 15:27 Post Comment   

Hernandez: Super sub

Hernandez: Super sub

Despite being at United for less than two years, Hernandez has already secured joint second spot alongside long-serving Ryan Giggs amongst the club's top-scoring substitutes.

The Mexican netted his 10th goal off the bench earlier this month as the Red Devils secured that thrilling draw at Chelsea.

Only Solskjaer has more, although as 28 of the Norwegian's 126 United goals came as a substitute, Hernandez clearly has some way to go.

Sir Alex Ferguson always felt Solskjaer's main strength was the intense way Solskjaer watched a match from the bench, which ensured he was fully prepared to take advantage of any defensive frailty when he came on.

Hernandez would appear to share the same trait, although he does not know why he has been so successful.

"I don't have the answer to what makes me effective as a substitute," he said.

"In football you can always come up with a reason for anything, perhaps it is nothing more than having a little bit of luck.

"I just know if I play one minute, or 10, or 90, I try to play the same way. My mind is always to do my best and help my team."

There is certainly a benefit to Hernandez's straightforward approach.

Rather than get bogged down analysing parts of the game he cannot control, the 23-year-old concentrates on the fundamentals.

"The only thing I can change is my attitude. I can do everything that I want with that," he said.

"There are parts of the game I cannot do anything about. But I can ensure my attitude."

Hernandez must be one of the most positive players imaginable.

Rarely does he reflect on any event without referring back to the team.

His goal against Ajax in last week's Europa League last-32 clash means he has now scored on his last three appearances, taking his overall tally to nine, level with Danny Welbeck and Dimitar Berbatov.

Not bad considering the amount of time he has been missing through injury.

Yet Ferguson can go about his work secure in the knowledge no-one will be knocking on his door demanding to know why Hernandez still cannot guarantee himself a starting spot.

"I don't care if I am on the bench," he said.

"Last year I was on the bench for a long time. I still got into the team at the end of the season.

"Every player in every team wants to play as many minutes as possible. It is the gaffer who has the answers."

Having shrugged off the injuries that caused him to endure such a stuttering start to his second season with United, it is perhaps no surprise Hernandez is starting to find the form that allowed him to make such an awesome impact during his debut campaign.

Yet, even in assessing what looks like a seamless transition to life in England, the forward adopts a level-headed approach.

"I don't think there is ever going to be a season where I can say everything is really good, or that it is really bad and I am suffering a lot.

"My first year was difficult. I had changed all my life to come here.

"The most important thing is to keep the balance.

"Sometimes football is going to give you good things. Sometimes it won't. It is part of the game.

"I just want to enjoy it because I am living a dream to play for Manchester United."

Agree with you mate.... Legend already in a lot of United fans eyes. Hope he stays, his time on the pitch will come again.
- best7

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

t's a bit sad to see Bosingwa leaving after he finally seemed to show some defensive ability when moved to centre back against Barca, but at least we'll be forced to pick up some sort of right fullback as cover. His new haircut seemed to decrease the prominence of the monobrow too.

shagwa
Kalou and Bosingwa face exits

J

oey has been an integral part of the club and has played his part. Played his part in what? Destroying QPR?

sri
Barton handed 12-match ban

Y

ou realise this means he'll have more free time to tweet, appear on newsnight, and google philosphers... ban seems about right, but there will never be consistency from the FA, so that completely undermines any possible lesson to the kids. Apart from the lesson about being part of an important cash cow.

wheresmyhair77
Barton handed 12-match ban

Footer 365

Zola backs RDM for Blues post

Former Chelsea striker Gianfranco Zola believes Italian compatriot Roberto Di Matteo is likely to remain in charge of the Blues next season.

Fitness concern for Johnson

Glen Johnson sparked a fitness concern ahead of England's friendly with Norway when he failed to play any part in an open training session.

QPR consider Barton 'sacking'

QPR manager Mark Hughes is 'determined to wash his hands' of Joey Barton after his 12-match ban, according to reports.

Mail Box

Here Endeth The Didier Drogba Love-In...

There's a backlash to all the Didier Drogba love being cast around this week as he's described as 'everything that is wrong with modern football'. And there's lots more...

Kean - Lost It, & Other Hair Related Choices

The heat may well have got to one chap, who has come up with a few players/managers whose hair reflects their playing style. That, and the man who tamed Drogba...

© 2012 365 Media Group Ltd. All Rights Reserved