Louis van Gaal has admitted that Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez may not be leaving the club after all.
The Mexican hitman had appeared destined for the departure lounge at Old Trafford after clearly having no place in the Dutch coach’s plans.
Chicharito was cast off to Real Madrid on loan for the duration of last season, but was unable to truly thrive at the Bernabeu. Despite a handful of crucial goals—he managed eight in 31 outings for the Merengues (including the fine effort below)—the Spanish giants opted not to extend the player’s temporary stay when the campaign ended [Daily Mail].
Since returning to Manchester at the end of the season, the forward has been linked to various clubs—West Ham United, Liverpool [both Express] and Orlando City Soccer Club [ESPN] have both been credited with interest—but as yet, nobody has made an official move for the 27-year-old.
Steadily, it appears as though the player’s fortunes may be changing, with a future at Old Trafford suddenly looking a lot more likely.
The forward broke his collarbone in international action for Mexico, an injury which had threatened to prevent any transfer departure [The Guardian].
However, as reported by ESPN, Louis van Gaal has changed his tune on Chicharito, and is considering the forward as part of his plans next term.
“Then I have to make a decision that I let go Chicharito and Welbeck because I have bought also Falcao,” the coach began, discussing the striker’s initial departure.
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“When you play a system with two strikers or one striker then you [have to] make decisions and I let Chicharito go but now he is coming back.”
The Mexican hitman is set to join United’s USA tour on July 25, along with Marcos Rojo and Angel Di Maria.
Javier Hernandez, Angel Di Maria and Marcos Rojo are scheduled to join #MUtour in the USA on 25 July.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 15, 2015