Javier Hernandez will return to Old Trafford in the summer, with Real Madrid opting not to activate the purchase option in his season-long loan contract with Manchester United, according to reports from Spain.
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Hernandez may have spent much of his season on the sidelines, but he did make his own pertinent contributions to Real’s season.
The finest moment of his short stint in Madrid came with the winning goal at the Santiago Bernabeu against neighbours Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
He also bagged a fine brace in a recent Liga BBVA contest against Celta Vigo including this excellent finish.
There was speculation that the strike could persuade Real into signing him permanently.
Spanish newspaper Marca, however, posted the headline ‘Cheerio, Chicharito’, and have reported that the Spanish giants have told Manchester United that they will not be taking up the opportunity to sign the Mexican forward on a permanent deal.
The 26-year-old was a last-minute signing for Los Blancos on last summer’s transfer deadline day, with Carlo Ancelotti keen to bolster his offensive options. However, the forward only managed seven starts in La Liga, scoring eight goals in 30 appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid.
The Little Pea, therefore, will return to Old Trafford, but his future is hugely uncertain given that Louis van Gaal saw fit to offload him last summer.
For a player with fine experience across Europe, and with a reputation as a fine finisher, he surely won’t be short of offers. The Gloucestershire Echo have reported that both West Ham United and Southampton are keen on the forward.
According to Mexican sport magazine Ovaciones, Juventus, Napoli and Inter Milan are also considering a move for the hitman.
However, might United also consider giving Chicharito another chance to impress?
Without him, their strikers have failed to ignite this term. Wayne Rooney was the most prolific of the club’s forwards, scoring 12 in 33 appearances. Beyond him, Robin van Persie managed only 10 league goals in 27 outings, while since-departed former AS Monaco loanee Radamel Falcao managed a dismal four goals in 26 showings.
Hernandez rarely contributes much to build up play, but his movement and goalscoring record make him a formidable weapon. That may make Chicharito more useful as an impact substitute, but regardless – he’ll be a useful option somewhere, even if not at Real Madrid.