There has been much speculation about the future of Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez this summer, after it seemed as though the Mexican striker was deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.
Links to clubs like West Ham United, Valencia, and even a few in the MLS gave everyone the idea that he was set for the exit door at Man United, but as the season kicked off last weekend, Chicharito was named on the bench against Spurs and registered in the Champions League squad which suggested that Van Gaal may have changed his mind about the man who spent last season on loan at Real Madrid.
That has proven to be the case, as during his pre-match press conference before United take on Aston Villa on Friday evening, Louis Van Gaal declared Chicharito Manchester United's second choice striker.
Van Gaal on Javier Hernandez: "Rooney is the striker and Chicharito is the second striker. He knows that." #mufc
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 13, 2015
It appears as though the surprise striker that LVG had hinted at signing in this transfer window has not come to fruition, and United will carry on with only Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez, and James Wilson as the only out and out strikers in the squad.
This means that Van Gaal will be relying heavily on Wayne Rooney to deliver the goods in his return to a role striker's role, and while Rooney's performance against Spurs will have done nothing to ease any doubt over his ability to get goals, you get the feeling that they will come with time.
Rooney and Chicharito did enjoy a successful strike partnership as a front two towards the end of Sir Alex Ferguson's reign at Old Trafford, but so far it seems that LVG will be sticking with 4-3-3 going forward.
