Posted on Thursday, 13th January 2011 by Chudi

I like him, you like, I’ve even had a Leeds fan grudgingly tell me he likes him. is undoubtedly a hot commodity right now.

His rise has been quite amazing and personally I didn’t really understand it in its infancy. For me he was a new player but another player and I wasn’t going to jump on the bandwagon straight away. Well I wore out the sole of my shoes catching up with the bandwagon and now I’m firmly on.

There have been tons of reasons cited as to why ‘Chicharito Mania’ has gripped Old Trafford. Everyone loves a striker that scores goals, he has scored some important goals, the fact he appears “cute”(their words not mine) doesn’t hurt, he plays with a smile, appears to have a genuine love for the club (initially I was sceptical about the badge kissing) all rank extremely high on the list but I think there are some deeper reasons.

When Hernandez first signed for United it was in the midst of the green and gold campaign, our financial situation was under heavy scrutiny and the fact we weren’t spending money meant his signing was was looked at with some apprehension, he wasn’t exactly a big name in world football. But there were many who thought outside of the box and thought what was so special about this guy that made us snap him up so quickly and at the World Cup we got a brief glimpse. His goals were a pre cursor to what we could expect in our own colours but expectation and actual delivery are completely different.

So when he hit the ground running, banging in goals on the US tour (even the one against us) I think there was a sense of relief.

That summer we expected a name or two to be brought in, big names. David Gill had made a point of reminding everyone that the Ronaldo money was still there to be spent but to the dismay of some this big name didn’t appear. Bebe was brought in and whilst not everyone was excited, those that were, were because of what he could offer in the future rather than the here and now.

So here we were, the start of a new season with 3 rookies added to the ranks whilst the likes of Giggs, Scholes and Neville were a year older. Rooney was still misfiring and Berbatov hadn’t begun to shine so who would be the hero? Enter Chicharito.

He became the big signing we didn’t get and the fact that his arrival caused quite a wave not only here but in the footballing world in general was brilliant as he drew praise from journos, pundits and managers all over the place. It was a slap in the face of those that were quick to point out we hadn’t signed anyone of note.

His goals were refreshing and whilst Berbatov was getting on the goal trail himself, the manner of Hernandez’s goals were what set him apart. Can you find me a person who didn’t go mad when he kicked the ball into his own face? Or a person who didn’t go mental when he scored the backwards header? Things like this endeared him to us as much as the timing of his goals. His goal against Valencia, his late winner against Wolves in the Carling Cup, the brace against Stoke all made fans like him even more.

Beyond this, his performances made us forget.

Wayne Rooney hadn’t been playing well and Hernandez was almost filling the void. When Rooney turned around and said he wanted to leave whilst everyone was angry and said what they said I remember noting another response from our fans, they simply clung to Hernandez.

I remember seeing people passing around a song:

Viva Hernandez, Viva Hernandez

Call him Little Pea

Sh*ts on

Viva Hernandez

It was remarkable in that our fans had accepted that we were going to lose Wayne Rooney and were defiant in the face of it as we had Hernandez. Losing a player like Rooney is no small matter and whilst there were many that were worried by the prospect, the fact that some, no matter how small the number was, had faith in Hernandez and his ability to replace Rooney shows how highly he was already held by our fans.

Of course Rooney performed a u turn and the song will probably be forgotten but I think it was a good example of how highly he is regarded.

Hernandez has shown he can play football and the fact he has found his feet straight away scoring goals has been important. He isn’t happy to be labelled a super sub and to be honest that isn’t a fair assessment of him, the same way it was for the legend he is being compared with .

The comparison is a huge one especially after just a couple of months and even if he isn’t to keen on it it again shows how highly he is regarded by fans as well as people in the know.

At 22, Hernandez is already a hero at United and has years ahead of him so who is to say how big he can become? The fans love him and his performances and goals will continue to propel him forward so there really is no limit on this.

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Posted in Blogs | Comments (33)

33 Responses to “Why are we infatuated with ‘Chicharito’?”

  • Kayode Says:

    The boy is very good!. Saying he is already shaping up to become a United legend is not overstating it!. Can’t wait to see what he those in future. Viva Hernandez!

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  • Taye Says:

    http://Www.man utd.com

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  • jonathan Says:

    The guy is exactly what we needed. He’s not so much an all around player like Rooney or to an extent Berba where he playmakes, passes, holds up play etc… He’s a poacher who makes the most of every little space in the penalty area, has the reflexes of a cat and can find the back of the net.
    I’ve heard people say they want him to bulk up so as not to be taken off the ball as easily, but I’d mostly disagree as this would likely add weight to him and take away some of his pace which is a better asset. We’ve already got other strikers who can do that, so leave Chico to bring his unique traits.
    He’s been very consistent and made the most of his opportunities, so I have little doubt that he’s on his way to becoming a United legend.

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  • Ryan Says:

    Great signing by SAF.. Was excited to see him in the World Cup where he scored a few big goals of the bench for Mexico and I was sold then. He scores goals in big moments, and is making some nice runs. I see more and more we are trying to spring him on some long ball passes because he has the pace to beat defenders. Looking forward to more goals!!

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  • Alec Says:

    We need a central midfielder who can spot his runs and put him through.

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  • Kristó Says:

    I think anderson is that midfielder alec, have you seen the balls he has been puting through ?

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  • Yosh Says:

    I fookin love the c*nt!

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  • Tule Jude Says:

    Hernandez is a world beater,no doubt about it.His way of life is similar to that of Kaka and it’s nice how he’s gotten on the pedal with a quick velocity.

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  • jesus from mexico Says:

    hello friends! (No matter what anyone says’ top gear lol) just kidding and now, we make jokes too many people and nothing happens so it must be taken, from the point of Rooney and chicharito hernandez, in my opinion is already a legend Rooney all players and any athlete goes through ups and downs and must be taken into consideration, is a reality chicharito worst is excellent as it brings the grand master Sir Alex Ferguson, just a short time to time to ripen well, I also wish to see more than 10 minutes, but something Sir Alex is who he is because he knows what he does, here the point is to amalgamate rooney and Javier Hernandez to be a killer duet I trust be so, but be patient with the great wayne. Greetings from Veracruz, Mexico.

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  • Alex from Arizona Says:

    We all like Chicharooney! he’s not only good for the club, but he’s a nice guy all around. The fact that Mourinho wants him in his squad just makes him that much more valuable in the sport, not only monetarily, but as a person as well. just read about that girl that helped him, and what he did for her. Chicharooney is quality! :D

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  • omar morales Says:

    i love this guy he’s an amazing scorer a perfect fit for utd.

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  • Charlie MU Says:

    hey there!!! did Mourinho said he would like Hernandez for Real Madrid???

    last tuesday night Chicharito’s performance was just superb, being in the right place at the right time is the difference of winning than losing, but i don’t think he is consumed striker and ready for replace Rooney or Berbatov, as Hernandez himself says, I’m way to far from being like Ole, i’m learning and working hard to be better asset and help the team win trophies, that is STAY FOCUS and KEEP IT SIMPLE lads!

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  • Perla Says:

    Here in México we cannot be any more proud of our Chicharito. We are only sorry we lost his presence in our country so early in age & could not see any more of his play in our own soccer fields. Very happy however that he is shinning for us at the United in dear UK. Mucho Chicharito !!!

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  • chicharito Says:

    One of the reasons I think Chicharito has been so popular lately is not just his skills and goals; it also has to do with his personality. Even though he’s almost like a God back in his country, he stays calmed and doesn’t pretend he’s got to the tip of the iceberg if you know what i mean. He still thinks there’s room for improvement which is very good for his cause.

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  • chicharito hernandez Says:

    Keep the good work Chicharito, you will be the best!!!

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    Sammie Prince Reply:

    Guys,Chicha is just amazing to watch.The lad has a perfect balance of Character matched with his on pitch performance.Has a very sharp eye for knows and seems to only be getting better.I like his calmness and maturity when he looses the ball or meets a bad tackle.He stays calm.Some thing which even Keane in his Advanced years could not do.Always not a candidate for careless red cards.Thats maturity.

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  • jkidddd Says:

    hes a best here in dallas i will see him in june for the gold cup the next pele in the making

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  • jkidddd Says:

    manchester united should go for memo ochoa a young 25 year old and get van de sar out hes way to old and only getting older by the minuteeee

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  • javier hernandez Says:

    gracias por todo el amor amo a todos mis aficionados espero llegar a dallas en muy bien salud i love man u

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  • javier hernandez Says:

    a shot out to my bestfriend pablo barrera and goi dos santos comming to manchester united next year iloveyou

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  • javier hernandez Says:

    thanks jkidd and yeah i hope to be one of the best and help lead man united and mexico to many cup’s and world cup in the feature the feature is bright in mexico and i hope the violence in my dear and beautifull country ends :(

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    Sandra Pinal from CA, USA Reply:

    You got a great future ahead of you. Keep it up, as you’re doing now. Make us Mexicans proud!
    Best,
    Sandra Pinal

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  • kidy Says:

    i just love him

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  • Panocha Mojada Says:

    I want to have kids with Chcha!

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  • MOSES Says:

    Congrats Chicharito, You have most definitely bless with the talent of a great player by the GOD of Isreal. I see how he knees and prays before each match.
    Definitely a great player do see play. Looking forward to see more of him in years to come…

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  • Gilberto Says:

    Tengo ganas de llorar, hemos sufrido desaparaciones, secuestros y asesinatos de amigos y seres queridos, parece interminable esta ola de violencia que sucede en nuestros querido México, Dios bendiga a nuestro chicharito Hernández que nos regala muchas satisfacciones en estos momentos tan tristes, ojalá que siga por el mismo camino de anotar muchos goles para la causa del ManU. Ha sabido conectarse con la gran estrella W Roonye,que se echa el equipo ala espalda, saludos desde el norte de México.

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  • Javier Says:

    Like my page http://www.facebook/jchicharito14.com

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  • Javier Says:

    Like my page,,www.facebook/jchicharito14.com

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  • Lorenzo Alvarez Says:

    Chicharito. You inspire anyone with your enthusiasm, on and off the field, and your personality, where you don´t let anyone get in the way of performing your ritual where you thank God “up there” and ManU for each and every incredible goal that you make. How you thought and executed your backhead goal is simply for Ripley! Keep it up and you´ll be regarded in with the worlds best, for sure. Don´t thin I´m biased if I´m a proud Mexican. Lorenzo Alvarez

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  • Dirk Nowitzki Says:

    lets go mavericks beat los angeles in 4 gamess sweapp

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  • Viva MEXICO Says:

    Chicarito will run circles around Barcelona today…..and you guys pretending to be chicha or dirk nowitzki or jason kidd….geta life lol

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  • Chicharito Hernandez Says:

    alcanzadas de Chicharito lo colocaron en el top diez del mundo. Esta vez dara el salto 5. Hechale ganas Javier!

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