Chicharito wows English press; Valencia move unlikely

Guadalajara's soccer golden boy Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez was one of the bright lights of Mexico's World Cup campaign. At the time of writing he has 65% of the vote for being Mexico's best player in South Africa on this blog.

Although he only started one game out of four, the 22-year-old scored two goals and has excited the English press and media on the eve of his big move to Manchester United.

“It’s been unanimous praise, people are starting to think United have a real player on their hands," says manutd.com Contributing Editor Steve Bartram. "They were raving about the goal (against France). He was calm when he went through, showed neat touch and intelligence in the run.”

The feeling is that Chicharito’s excellent forward runs will benefit greatly from having players like Scholes, Giggs, Carrick and Rooney to supply the young Mexican with all the ammunition he needs to get goals.

However, the Mexican press has been full of reports linking the 22-year-old former Guadalajara Chivas player with a loan move away from Old Trafford due to the plethora of young strikers at the Manchester club. Today's front-page headline in Record states Valencia are hot on Chicharito's heels.

“I would personally be amazed,” says the journalist who was writing a blog on the English team’s website about Chicharito and the Mexican national team. “Especially with how he’s played for Mexico.”

“It’s not how United do things,” adds Bartram. “Even if he comes to United as an impact substitute, it’s what United need.”

Bartram also says new young players at Manchester United are always given a chance in the first team to impress manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

“I fully expect him to be here next season,” says Bartram firmly.

The Manchester United reporter adds that the British press is mystified Chicharito wasn’t starting games for Mexico.

Says Bartram: “Obviously Franco has been fairly ineffectual, the team selection against Uruguay seemed strange.”

The newspapers and television pundits in Britain heaped praise on Chicharito’s goal against France and are excited about the impact the Tapatio could have in Manchester.