Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez (nicknamed Chicharito) boasts a great goalscoring record for the side - 52 goals in 124 games - but he's a player who will never be first-choice for the title-holders in the future. Dubbed 'super-sub' by the masses, Hernandez has made nearly half of his United appearances from the bench to devastating effect, meaning he'll have to be content with the moniker as a result. His manager David Moyes has faced a number of questions from his critics already this season, but one of the biggest qualms many people have is why he doesn't give the striker more time on the pitch given his above goal record. The Mexican international is far down the striker pecking order, and is forced to make do with cameo appearances off the bench. This season, he's made just one league start for United, while amassing less than 120 minutes of playing time in total in the PL. However, there is sufficient reasoning why Hernandez is better off utilised from the bench, and here's why....
5. Players Look For Him More When Coming On As A Sub
When Hernandez is introduced off the bench, his teammates specifically try to pick him out with their passing. But when he starts games, his great off-the-ball movement is put to waste as the side feed either Wayne Rooney or Robin Van Persie the ball much more frequently. As it's a very wasteful style of play in trying to put a striker through on goal at every opportunity, United opt to play to feet and retain possession which simply doesn't suit Hernandez' game. The lack of touches he makes in matches that he's started in is an eye-opener. Quite often he's found himself subbed early into the second-half after making fewer touches than any other player as a result of him being ignored for his strike-partner. But when he comes on late in games, his teammates always have their heads up waiting for him to make his typical runs into the box or away from a defender. He's a player who cannot conjure moments of brilliance on his own like Rooney or Van Persie, but given the right support he's just as deadly in front of goal.
Crippy Cooke, 23, is a freelance Football Writer contributing to What Culture. He's had work featured on Zoo, MSN, London 24, The Telegraph, The Huffington Post, and was recently named Writer of the Year on FTBpro - while also a nominee for Best Male Blog in the Football Blogging Awards.
