“It means every player will have to raise the level of their game””

Javier Hernandez has admitted that he is looking forward to learning from new team mate Robin Van Persie, but plans to push him all the way for a place in Sir Alex’s starting XI.

Hernandez had an on off second season, dropping down the pecking order in favour of Danny Welbeck and with the acquisition of Van Persie from Arsenal, he faces an even tougher fight to get back into the team.

Always a team player, Chicharito is excited about what the signing of Van Persie means for the club and plans to learn as much as he can from the Dutchman as he told ManUtd.Com in an exclusive interview:

It must be very exciting for you to have someone like Robin van Persie to learn from?
Yes, of course. I think in life you never stop learning, no matter what age you are. I try to learn from all my team-mates, but obviously it’s great to watch the other strikers in particular. They have all helped me a lot and I know I will learn a lot off Robin because he is a world-class striker who has a lot to give to the team and a lot to teach us all.

Is he someone who you have admired from afar for a long time?
Yes, definitely. I think for people that just love football Robin is like Wazza and other top players, you just need to see them play. Even if you’re not a United fan, you should watch players like Robin and Wazza because they are world class. Robin is someone I have always enjoyed watching – he did a lot of great things for Arsenal and we want him to do the same for us.

Are you excited by the challenge that Robin’s arrival brings to the striking department?
Of course. The great thing about this club is you know you will get opportunities because we play so many games in different tournaments. There is competition for places but you always have that. I had that in youth teams when I was growing up and we have it here now because you need a big squad of players. There are only 11 places each week and you need to do your best to get one of those places, but it’s great to have that competition because it means every player will have to raise the level of their game.

The full interview can be read here as Hernandez talks about last season’s disappointment, the Olympics, new signings and what to expect from this season.