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Chicharito’s Return To Form Silences ‘Daft’ Critics

Javier Hernandez has scored 4 goals in his last 3 games. That’s not bad for a lad who some fans were writing off after his slow start to the season. Isn’t it funny how quickly things can change.

The little Mexican has now scored 5 goals already this season and without tempting fate looks back to his best.

Looking back on last season his year never got going what with a freak accident in pre-season training leading to him getting a concussion on United’s tour of America.

That wasn’t his fault and then to make matters worse he was the victim of a horror-tackle from Ashley Cole inside the six-yard box at Old Trafford in the closing stages of Manchester United’s 3-1 win back in September last year.

When he did come back into the team, he looked somewhat sheepish, a touch slower on the ball with his confidence not being quite there. After the signing of Robin van Persie there were fears Chicharito would grow frustrated at being fourth-choice behind Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and the club’s new forward.

There were rumours about Chicharito wanting to a move out of the club with Italian side Fiorentina believed to be targeting the little man. However as many true fans have believed that has just been a load of tosh.

Hernandez was always going to get a chance early into the season regardless of how the team were getting on. He is too valuable a player to be sold, given his age and talent. He comes across as a team-player, someone who accepts the part and parcel of competition amongst a squad and who is happy to play for the club whether he is first-choice or fourth-choice.

His performance at home to Braga was exceptional. Yes he made the headlines with his two goals which were headers, but it was his all-round game which stood out. After a healthy pre-season he looks sharp and is running down the channels is improving all the time as his all-round game.

It was no surprise that Sir Alex Ferguson brought him on against Chelsea at the weekend, a team who he has enjoyed great success against already.

Yes he was offside for his goal on Sunday but he was in the right place to convert Rafael’s cross-shot and in the later stages of the game when United were trying to hang onto the ball, he did brilliantly on several occasions to hold up the ball well, making sure that he picked out his man rather than carelessly allowing a Chelsea player to gain possession and mount yet another attack.

In United’s League Cup defeat he put in another good showing, scoring once (there’s a surprise) and could have had two but for his second-half shot just creeping over the bar after good play from Nick Powell and Anderson.

Of course Hernandez isn’t the finished article but if-fit he remains someone you can back your house on getting 12-15 goals a season. He has a habit of scoring in the big-games and when you have a habit of doing that, it gives your team-mates great confidence in you as well as giving the opposition nightmares when they see you on the field. Chelsea simply can’t stand the sight of him!

By Adam Dennehey @ADennehey87

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