Ferguson wants fresh Mexican

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said he wants to keep striker Javier Hernandez fresh for vital fixtures.

The Mexican goal sneak has been outstanding in his first season for United – scoring 16 goals in all competitions – and started ahead of English Premier League-leading goal scorer Dimitar Berbatov last time out in their 1-0 win over Bolton on March 19.

Even though it was Berbatov who struck the winner after coming on after half-time for the Mexican, Ferguson has given his biggest hint yet that the man they call ‘Chicarito’ will be the go-to striker ahead of their busy schedule in the remaining two months of the season.

“Javier has had a fantastic season,” Ferguson told online radio station Sirius XM.

“We are just keeping an eye on him because he played in the World Cup last year and this is his first season in the Premier League.”

“We are trying to keep him as fresh as we possibly can for the important games we have coming up.”

“He is a marvellous player, he is a great trainer. He is a good type. His attitude is fantastic. He is a really outstanding boy.”

United will take on Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final next Wednesday, with the second leg to take place six days later.

Prior to their first European leg, United face a league trip to West Ham on Saturday, and in between legs they welcome Fulham to Old Trafford in a jam-packed schedule for the English powerhouse.