There are two certainties right now in the world of football:
#1: Louis Van Gaal and Manchester United could really use some consistent goal-scoring right about now.
#2: Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez is on fire.
If you look closely enough at Hernandez during one of his now frequent goal celebrations, you’ll see there’s a glint in his eye. You know that glint that says: “stuff it, Louis Van Gaal!”
All kidding aside, Manchester United and Chicharito couldn’t be going in more opposite directions right now. Everything Hernandez touches seems to turn to goals, while United have been forced to rely on an exciting, although extremely young goal-scoring cast to save them this season. Wayne Rooney’s contribution in front of goal has been almost non-existent. For a captain who was supposed to lead the line at the start of the season, Rooney only has two goals in the Premier League all season.
Instead, United have had to turn to young striker Anthony Martial for most of their goals – and excitement – in the Premier League this season, and although Martial is an extremely exciting prospect, perhaps it may be too much pressure for a nineteen-year-old just yet. United need other options and really could have used a player with Hernandez’s experience and goal-scoring prowess.
Anthony Martial has been good, but inconsistent. Photo: @premierleague | Twitter
But Van Gaal, like Moyes before him, doubted Chicharito’s potential to perform week in and week out and it is those doubts that have cost Van Gaal dearly. Chicharito scores wherever and whenever he plays. Getting a manager to give him a chance is a whole other matter, however.
Why don’t some managers fancy Chicharito? Is he too one-dimensional? A pure number nine in the make of a Van Nistelrooy or Raul, Chicharito isn’t one to often track back for the ball or play on the wing. It is best to put Chicharito where he excels most, up top, marauding and creating chances to score. Leverkusen manager Roger Schmidt has done just that and it is paying off in spades for die Werkself.
Such is Chicharito’s current form, the latest rumors in the British press suggest Mourinho and his beleaguered Chelsea could look to make a move for him in January. If that indeed is the case imagine just how sweet a goal on February 6th at Stamford Bridge against United would be. He may not celebrate the goal, but he may have a look on the touchline to the scowling face of the bitter Dutch manager who never gave him a chance.
