Chicharito: United is not about nationalities

The Mexican legend, a firm favourite during his stay at Old Trafford between 2010 and 2015, believes the opportunity to meet our supporters in Los Angeles, San Diego and South Carolina is something to cherish.

The global appeal of Erik ten Hag's side means all eyes will be on the matches against Arsenal, Real Betis and Liverpool, but there is much more to be gained by travelling Stateside as the nation builds up to co-hosting the World Cup finals in two years' time.

"What MLS is doing over there is helping so much because I think teams like Manchester United and top teams around Europe and the world, they're always being very well known in the US because of all the Latin American fanbase that exists over there. But also now because there are a lot more American people who are really wanting to know about the sport. So they look out for the best teams around the world because MLS is doing a very good job."

There is expected to be a strong Mexican turnout for the game against Real Betis at the Snapdragon Stadium, which is not far from the border, and ex-LA Galaxy hitman Chicharito appreciates the fervent nature of such support and the appeal of the city, and how it differs to California, where we face Arsenal.

"I think LA has the best weather in the world," said Hernandez. "San Diego has another different vibe and it's amazing. I think LA is this huge cosmopolitan city, with the energy and a lot of entertainment, and I think San Diego is kind of the opposite because it's a huge city as well. There are a lot of football fans there and Latinos over there as well, but it's more chilled. It's more easy going. You don't feel the rush that you can feel in LA because of the traffic and all of that.

"Of course, I mean I hope so [Mexican fans coming over] but, regardless if there is going to be a lot of Mexican fans or not, I mean it's obvious that, with United, it is going to be full. You can fill any stadium basically around the world, you know. But, no, I think there are going to be a lot of Mexicans because I know there were a lot of Mexican fans before I was there at Manchester United because I realised there were a lot before.

"And, of course, I think after I was there, they got very excited about, if you choose a team from the UK, you will choose Manchester United because of my past, probably. But, in the end, I think Manchester United, I mean it's not about nationalities. It's about the impact and how big that club is around the world, you know, regardless of the nationality."

The Guadalajara striker admits he has enjoyed travelling the world with his profession and clearly this is another important factor when ensuring football is a global game, that appeals to so many people.

"I love travelling," he added. "You can go to different parts of the world that you never imagined. Probably, in my perspective, in Mexico, you never imagined that you could be like, for example, at Manchester United.

"Tell me about going to Dublin, for example, that I never thought I was going to be there. Then they helped me to go to Shanghai, to China for the first time."

The Reds are eagerly anticipating crossing the Atlantic again, with Rangers the next friendly scheduled, for Saturday in Edinburgh.

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