United sign Mexico star Chicharito
MANCHESTER United have moved quickly to ease the pain of European elimination by announcing a deal to sign promising Mexican striker Javier Hernandez
Hernandez, who has scored four goals in four international appearances, has agreed to move to Old Trafford from Chivas de Guadalajara in July.
The fee for the 21-year-old – better known by his nickname Chicharito, which means ‘Little Pea’ – has not been disclosed and the transfer is subject to a work permit being granted.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, whose side were knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich on Wednesday, said: “I am delighted to reach agreement with Chivas to bring such an exciting young striker, who has been in such prolific form for both his club and his country.”
Hernandez earned his first international cap in September against Colombia and has put himself in line for a World Cup place by netting 11 times for Chivas this season.
The deal will see United play at the opening of the new Chivas Stadium during the summer.
Hernandez is United’s second signing for next season, following the £10m capture of Fulham defender Chris Smalling. In common with the January arrival of Senegalese forward Mame Biram Diouf from Norwegian outfit Molde, it follows Ferguson’s recent tendency to shun blockbuster signings in favour of rising stars.
CHICHARITO | WHO IS HE?
•Hernandez has followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps by playing for Chivas de Guadalajara
•His father was known as El Chicharo, meaning The Pea, owing to his green eyes, so his son has been dubbed The Little Pea, or Chicharito
•At 5ft 9ins he is no giant but makes up for that with an impressive leap and knack for headers
•He can use both feet and has scored 11 times in 17 games this season