Javier Hernández: Sir Alex helped me settle at Man United
Striker says Sir Alex Ferguson's guidance was a crucial factor behind his impressive first season in England
Javier Hernández has hailed the influence of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson on his blossoming career since he arrived at Old Trafford.
The 23-year-old forward sealed a £6.5m transfer from Mexican side Deportivo Guadalajara last summer and instantly repaid Ferguson’s faith with 20 goals for the Premier League champions.
And the Mexico international has revealed that the United boss’s guidance was one of the key reasons why he was able to settle so quickly in Manchester.
“He [Ferguson] was always watching over me a bit more because it was my first year and I was away from home, checking to see if I am well and happy,” Hernández told Champions magazine.
“On the pitch, in games or training, he tells me to look at a certain movement, how to move my body. I’m like a sponge, soaking up every piece of advice I can get.”
Hernández enjoyed a productive partnership with United forward Wayne Rooney last term as goals from the pair helped United claim their 19th league title and propel the club to the Champions League final at Wembley.
However, the striker believes he enjoys an understanding with all the attackers at the club ““ not just Rooney.
“I can say that about all the attacking players at United ““ Wayne, Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen,” said Hernández when quizzed about his strike partnership with Rooney.
“They’re all world-class, their movement is excellent and they always play for the team- there are no individual achievements.”
United’s No14 also paid tribute to the guidance he has received from his father and grandfather – both former Mexico internationals.
“It is an advantage having them in my life and I’m following in their footstep,” he continued. “They help me a lot on the pitch, as they were also attacking players, but they’ve helped me even more off the pitch.
“That’s the most difficult part for young footballers ““ there’s a lot of money and many things can put you off balance.
“We start very young in this profession, I’m 23 now, which is still young. I’ve taken a lot from both my parents, and the women in my family have helped me make sure I feel the same as other people. I’m not bigger than anybody else, despite any goals, success and medals.”
