Chicharito and the Manchester Evening News

Interview from this site's blogger from today's Manchester Evening News. Story by Stuart Mathieson:

Manchester United fans will catch their first glimpse of new signing Javier Hernandez on Monday when the Mexican striker plays against England in a Wembley friendly.

'Chicharito' is set to be in South American coach Javier Aguirre's XI as both Fabio Capello's squad and the Mexicans warm up for the World Cup in South Africa.

If Reds supporters tune in to TV coverage on Monday night, they will witness Old Trafford's new boy battling to come to terms with his new status as Mexico's golden boy.

And Chicharito, who'll be 22 a week on Tuesday, will play his first match in England with advice from his granddad ringing in his ears. Journalist Tom Marshall works for the English language newspaper, the Guadalajara Reporter, in Mexico, and part of his remit is covering Chicharito's club Chivas.

Marshall, a one-time Old Trafford season ticket holder who hails from Rochdale, told M.E.N. Sport that United's new face has struggled since the announcement of his move to Old Trafford.

But he anticipates Hernandez will become a Reds hit.

"He hasn't been playing well recently for Mexico. In the last four matches against poor teams he hasn't scored," Marshall said.

"Last weekend, he missed a couple of sitters against a much weakened Chile side. He admits he's not done well. His problem is that he is trying too hard. Possibly he is trying to justify all the headlines and hype about moving to Manchester United.

"His granddad was a member of the legendary Chivas side in the 50s and was in Mexico's World Cup squad in 1954. He was on TV advising Chicharito to relax.

"But he also added how important the World Cup in South Africa is for him. He says he needs the springboard of a good World Cup before he moves to United.

Vital

"He reckons it is vital for his grandson. If he performs well in South Africa then he'll go to England high on confidence ready to tackle his United career. If he has a poor World Cup, then he'd go over to England on a downer.

"The press in Mexico are not going that overboard about it, so they are not putting too much pressure on him. He has to learn to cope with it himself and take his granddad's advice."

Marshall has monitored Chicharito's progress at Chivas and admits the move to Old Trafford came out of the blue.

"Six months ago Chicharito wasn't that famous. He was a virtual unknown," added Tom.

"But then he scored eight goals in eight games and got into the Mexican team and it all took off. It was a rapid rise. It took everyone by surprise.

"It was in the papers over here that he would probably end up going to Europe but nobody could foresee it would be United he'd end up at.

"Once that news broke it was the transfer of the decade. It was unbelievable."

So what can United fans getting an early peek at Chicharito at Wembley expect of the South American import?

"If I was comparing him to anyone, then I would say he's similar to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer," said Marshall.

"He's not a playmaker or someone who will create goals for himself out of nothing. He's not a Wayne Rooney who can change a game on his own.

"But if you create chances for Chicharito, then he will put away most opportunities and probably convert a good percentage of the half-chances.

"He's a good goal-scorer, very enthusiastic and is quick and sharp. He's even got a baby face like Solskjaer and plays with a smile on his face. I think he's good enough."