Javier Hernandez: Former Red says he'd play for Manchester United for free

Javier Hernandez, or Chicharito as he is known, produced 79 goal contributions, in 157 appearances during his first spell in Manchester. The 109 time capped Mexican international who left United in 2015, currently plays for MLS side La Galaxy.

During his six year stint at Manchester United, Hernandez was part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s final four seasons as United boss, scoring 59 goals and grabbing 20 assists.

Hernandez would then have just five competitive appearances for the team in his final two seasons, instead spending a season on loan at Real Madrid, before being sold to Bayer Leverkusen. 

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Hernandez, who was a two-time Premier League winner when playing for United, admitted he would return to the club if asked. 

“If United came for me then I’d say ‘yes, I’ll play for free.’ Of course, you know, I’d do that,” said Hernandez. “But I also want to be very respectful to my club. 

Javier Hernandez with Manchester United in 2010/11 (Alamy)

“I am playing very consistently and in my mind my conviction is all about winning a championship with LA Galaxy. In the future, if things happen then they happen, but in my mind I am 100 percent with LA.”

Speaking of his former boss in Sir Alex Ferguson, Hernandez suggested that it was United’s inability to move on from the manager that is holding them back. 

“United need to get over the fact that Sir Alex Ferguson has gone. Would we like to have someone similar? Yes, yes, yes. But Sir Alex has gone and it is never going to be the same.”

“It doesn't surprise me what has happened at United because in life it’s not easy having a manager for 26 years in the way that Sir Alex did it.”

“Do you think anyone you hire afterwards is going to be able to do even 80 percent of what Ferguson did?” Hernandez continued.

Sir Alex Ferguson on the touchline (Alamy)

Whilst Hernandez may not be a realistic option for United, the Red Devils have somewhat struggled with securing their transfer targets so far this window.

Attempts to sign Jurrien Timber and Antony from Ajax failed, meanwhile the club’s pursuit of Frenkie de Jong seems like it could be dead in the water.

As a result of this, United have had to target players who are lower in stature, with both 33-year-old Marko Arnautovic, and Juventus’ Adrien Rabiot emerging as potential transfer targets over the last week. Although it seems like the former is no longer an option.

Hernandez commented “The problem is that the other difficulty is that United are not in the Champions League, so some players aren’t going to come.

Frenkie de Jong in Barcelona action. (Alamy)

“If another club can offer Champions League then who do you choose? You choose the best club for your career.”

Despite a return to United for 34-year-old Hernandez remaining unlikely, United do need forward reinforcements. With that in mind, recent reports have suggested the club are now preparing a bid for PSV winger Cody Gakpo.

Additionally, United have turned to the aforementioned Rabiot, as well as Lazio’s Sergej Milinković-Savić, as the club look to improve their midfield options.