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Birthdate:
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01 Jun 1988
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Birthplace:
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Guadalajara, Mexico
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Position:
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Striker
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Appearances
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77
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Goals Scored
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32
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Joined United:
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01 Jul 2010
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United Debut:
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08 Aug 2010 v Chelsea (N)
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International:
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Mexico
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Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez
enjoyed a wonderful maiden season for United in 2010/11, scoring 20
goals in all competitions and terrorising defences with his pace and
movement.
Adored in his native Mexico, it wasn't long
before he also became a fans' favourite in the UK, thanks to his
footballing ability, friendly demeanour and dedicated professionalism.
Big things are expected of the exciting young striker.
Chicha
completed his move to Old Trafford in July 2010, becoming United’s first
Mexican player. He joined from hometown club Chivas de Guadalajara, for
whom he had scored 29 goals in 79 games since making his debut as a teenager in 2006.
Unusually
for a club of United's stature, the transfer was conducted completely
under the radar: only the player and his father were aware of the deal
and there was no prior speculation in the media, either in the UK or
Mexico.
'Chicharito' means ‘little pea’ and Hernandez attracted
the moniker because he’s the son of Javier Hernandez, himself a top
Mexican striker who played in the 1986 World Cup and was nicknamed
'Chicharo' ('pea') because of his green eyes.
An out-and-out
striker, Chicharito is quick, two-footed and strong in the air,
qualities that have seen him likened to Reds legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
He made an
early impact at international level, scoring twice for Mexico in the
2010 World Cup just days before completing his switch to United.
Those
goals introduced him to a wider global audience and would undoubtedly
have led to a clamour for his signature – precisely the reason why
United moved fast to complete the deal before the tournament began.
It
quickly became clear why Sir Alex was so keen to sign Hernandez. After
an eye-catching, goalscoring debut in pre-season against an MLS
All-Stars side, Paul Scholes predicted the Mexican would score 25 goals
in his first campaign. And though Hernandez was expected to be eased into the first team gradually, Sir Alex could not ignore
his ability in front of goal for long. Chicharito grabbed his chance
with both hands. He's a born finisher and scored all kinds of goals in
2010/11, among them numerous vital matchwinners.
By the end of a
season in which he picked up his first league winners' medal, Sir Alex
had enough faith in his new signing to start him in the Champions League
final.
It came as no surprise when he signed a new five-year
contract in October 2011. It's safe to say Chicharito has a very bright
future ahead of him.
