'Cristiano and Messi never scored like that!'

‘Chicharito’, as the Mexican was affectionately monikered at Old Trafford after signing from Chivas in 2010, appeared several times for the Reds in the 2010/11 pre-season, scoring against MLS All-Stars and Airtricity League XI.

However, the first time many supporters got to see him in the flesh would have been in that year’s Community Shield, played against Chelsea at Wembley.

United were already a goal to the good thanks to Antonio Valencia when Javier was introduced as a half-time substitute, but he later made the game safe with one of the most comical debut strikes ever seen.

Valencia drilled the ball across the Chelsea goal, leaving Hernandez – arriving late at the back post – with a seemingly unmissable tap-in to double our lead.

Our new no.14 did find the net, but only after stumbling in the box and kicking the ball against his own head!

After reliving his delight at joining up with the squad and experiencing the summer tour, Javier laughed when looking back at the goal, saying he’d managed something two of the game’s greats hadn’t.

“It was special when I met the lads in the dressing room and everything, but it was more special when I arrived in Manchester and I went to Carrington and the dressing room for the first time and then when I went to Old Trafford as well, playing friendlies or whatever before the season,” recalls Hernandez.

“After that, we went to Wembley and we played the Community Shield.

“The goal I scored with my face, where I assist and I score – it’s the best goal ever, man [laughs]

“Cristiano and Messi don’t have a goal like that, man! I should have credit! It was like a nose goal. A nose-mouth goal. I should have more credit for it!”

United went on to win the game 3-1 and Hernandez scored a further 19 goals in his debut season, as the Reds won the Premier League and made it to the Champions League final.

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