Former Manchester United ace Javier Hernandez explains what Sir Alex Ferguson means to him
Speaking in the first episode of Series 3 of Manchester United’s official UTD Podcast, former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez recalled his difficult first conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Mexican forward joined the Red Devils from Chivas in 2010. But when he had to talk to Sir Alex on the phone, the now 33-year-old star recalls having difficulty understanding his Scottish accent.
“His Scottish accent, man… and in that moment I wasn’t aware of that language, so it was so complicated to understand, so you could see me pushing the phone. You have to imagine, he was speaking from Manchester and I was in Guadalajara. It was the first time we’d spoke. Imagine the connection, too, so I was never in my life so focused on a phonecall!”
Hernandez became something of a cult icon at Man United. The name ‘Chicharito’, as he was affectionately referred to as at Old Trafford still brings back fond memories for countless United fans.
Chicharito recalls the good times
Hernandez spent five full seasons at the club, where he went on to make an impressive 157 appearances, scoring 59 goals. His last full season at the club saw him being loaned out to Real Madrid, and on his return, he was sold to Bayer Leverkusen.
But he will be remembered for the 20 goals he scored in his debut season at the club, which led the club to their record-break 19th English top-flight title. Recalling the influence of Ferguson on his life, Hernandez revealed the extent he was willing to go to for the Scotsman.
“The way he presented himself and the way he treated you like a human. The way he treated my family, for me it was like, yeah I will kill myself for this manager inside the pitch, for sure. For sure! If he treats my family that way, man, I will vomit after every game if it helps him to achieve in games and championships.”
More Manchester United News:
- Cristiano Ronaldo sends a message to Edinson Cavani following his surrender of the No. 7 Manchester United jersey
- Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire admits disappointment over racist chants hurled at England players
- Gary Neville 2021 – Net Worth, Salary, Endorsements, Legacy and more
Hernandez has gone on to have a quiet career after his Old Trafford spell. He went on to return to the Premier League with a move to West Ham United and currently plays at LA Galaxy – who signed him during the January 2020 transfer window.