Story highlights
Javier Hernandez signs a new five-year deal at Manchester United
The Mexico striker joined United from Chivas Guadalajara in July 2010
Hernandez, 23, has scored 23 goals in 55 appearances for United
United fans still reeling from 6-1 defeat to Manchester City
Mexico striker Javier Hernandez has committed his future to Manchester United by signing a new five-year contract with the English Premier League champions.
Hernandez, known as “Chicharito”, has been a big hit at Old Trafford since arriving from Mexican outfit Chivas Guadalajara in July 2010, scoring 23 goals in 55 appearances for Alex Ferguson’s team.
The news of Hernandez agreeing a new deal at Old Trafford will come as welcome boost to United’s fans, who are still reeling from a 6-1 thrashing against arch rivals Manchester City Sunday – their heaviest defeat in Premier League history.
“Javier Hernandez has signed a new five-year deal which will see the striker stay at Old Trafford until the end of the 2015/16 season,” read a statement on the 19-time English title winners official website.
Ferguson hailed the impact Hernandez has made since arriving at the club, comparing the 23-year-old to legendary United forward Ole Gunnar Solksjaer – the Norwegian who scored the club’s winning goal in their 1999 Champions League win over Bayern Munich.
“The last player I remember making an impact as big and as quickly as Javier is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and he reminds me of Ole a lot,” said Ferguson, 69.
“His talent for creating space in the box and his finishing ability mark him out as a natural goalscorer. Off the pitch, he is a pleasure to manage. He works very hard and is a popular member of the squad.”
Hernandez expressed his pleasure at how his first year in England has gone, describing playing for United as a “dream come true.”
He added: “I never expected my first year to go so well and I’m delighted to commit my future to United.
“To win a title and appear in a Champions League final was fantastic. I’m looking forward to helping my teammates as we bid to win more trophies for this great club.”
Hernandez came on as a 65th minute substitute for Nani in Sunday’s stunning defeat to the neighbors but could make little impression with United down to 10 men and chasing the game.
Former Aberdeen manager Ferguson admitted the loss, which ended the team’s 38-game unbeaten run at Old Trafford, was the worst of his career.
“Even as a player I don’t think I ever lost 6-1. It’s an incredible disappointment,” he admitted.
They will look to bounce back with an English League Cup fourth round fixture against fourth-flight Aldershot Tuesday before going to Everton in the English Premier League Saturday.
