Manchester United fans had their first look at new signing Javier Hernandez when the man known as Chicharito came on as a second half substitute during Mexico’s 3-1 defeat in Monday nights World Cup warm up game at Wembley Stadium. The 21 year old did not really have a chance to shine as England displayed a marked second half improvement to clinch victory.
Hernandez has not yet secured a work permit to play for United as the rules state that he had to play in 75% of his national teams matches in the previous two years which he has failed to do. United will present their case for Hernandez to the FA later this week hoping to convince the panel that the Mexican is an exceptional talent who could not be obtained from within the European Union for the £7 million fee that was agreed with his club Chivas Guadalajara.
The FA administers the process of granting sponsorship certificates for the Home Office in order for his application to be endorsed. If successful, Hernandez will become a Manchester United player from the beginning of July. Apart from the transfer fee, the clubs have agreed to play the opening match at the new Chivas Stadium during United’s pre season North American tour.
Chicharito is a highly rated young talent in Mexico but United have learned from previous experience that these applications can never be guaranteed of being successful. A £2million deal for Brazilian defender Celio Silvawas was rejected in 1997 forcing the transfer to be scrapped and South Korean midfielder Ji-Sung Park had to go to an appeal before his work permit was secured in 2005.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be anxious for Hernandez’s application to go through as he plans to start the new Premier League season without Ferdinand and Rooney should England progress to the latter stages of the World Cup. The two internationals will be given a months break to recover from their campaign in South Africa, only returning for training with United a few days before the season commences in mid August.
Ferguson understands full well that “the World Cup can be a draining experience, it is the biggest tournament in their lives and they need rest. We will give those players 28 days off after their last game so I intend to start the season without them” Ferguson explained.
Rooney meanwhile has insisted that he has no problems with his fitness ahead of the finals. There were serious concerns about the ankle injury initially sustained against Bayern Munich back in March but he came through Monday nights win over Mexico unscathed apart from a stiff neck. His only disappointment must be that he did not add to his international goal tally. Rooney did send out a message to England’s opponents however when he warned that “Hopefully I’m saving up all my goals for the tournament itself ”
Is Ferguson doing the right thing by starting the new season without his England players?
