Fergie swoops for Mexico’s ‘Chicharito’

ALEX FERGUSON has already started planning for next season by announcing that Wayne Rooney will have some goalscoring company next season.

Little is known on these shores about Javier Hernandez, but the 21-year-old, who goes by the title of “Chicharito”, has made a name for himself in his native Mexico, where he has scored almost a goal every two games in his couple of seasons at Chivas. As United’s first Mexican player, Hernandez will bring novelty value at least should a work permit application be concluded prior to official confirmation of his move on July 1.

As part of the deal, United will play a match to open the new 45,000-capacity Chivas Stadium in Guadalajara as part of its 2010/11 season preparations.

Ferguson 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.

“He will be a great addition to our squad and we look forward to welcoming our first Mexican player in the summer.”

Ferguson also insisted yesterday he did not put any pressure on United’s medical staff to declare Wayne Rooney fit for the loss to Bayern Munich.

After declaring Rooney had “no chance” of being involved barely 24 hours before the game, Ferguson named the England star in his starting line-up for the quarter-final second leg. And Ferguson remains adamant the correct procedures was followed.

“I never force the medical staff into anything,” said Ferguson. “It is important they make the right decisions about players’ fitness. They made the right decision. The medical staff did not see any problem. Wayne was keen to have a go and it did have an impact on the crowd. It gave them all a lift.”