Man Utd striker’s supersub status means Monaco move makes sense

Three strikes so far in 2014 prove that Javier Hernandez’s eye for goal is still very much in, but the arrival of Juan Mata looks set to further marginalise the Mexican at Old Trafford.

Hernandez has been used frequently by boss David Moyes of late, playing some part in all of the ailing Premier League champions’ last 10 games in all competitions.

However, the signing of Mata is likely to spell the end of Wayne Rooney’s time in the number 10 role at Old Trafford, which will shove his 25-year-old teammate back into fourth-place in United’s striking ranks when all are fit.

Even with Rooney and Robin van Persie out injured, the man dubbed ‘Chicharito’ in his homeland has only made the teamsheet on three occasions during his recent run of games, coming on as a second-half replacement otherwise with fewer and fewer minutes left on the clock.

Indeed, since turning in a poor first 45 against Norwich three matches ago before being bailed out by substitute Danny Welbeck’s winner, Moyes has resisted entrusting Hernandez with a top-flight start.

This spells bad news for the player, who still harbours hopes of making it back into Miguel Herrera’s Mexico side before the World Cup.

Rumoured moves to Valencia and Spurs have come to nought in the past, but a mooted switch to nouveau riche Monaco – whose main goal-getter Radamel Falcao is out for the rest of the season – has a ring of truth about it.

Les Rouge et Blanc embark on their first match without Falcao against Marseille, whose double-chance price of 21/20 is flagged up in our European football treble, as Monaco have a terrible recent record at home to Jose Anigo’s men.

The opportunity to chase down PSG in Ligue 1 may prove irresistible for Hernandez,  who would likely line-up in an attacking three alongside 23-year-old Frenchmen Emmanuel Riviere and Valerie Germain, with teenager Anthony Martial on the bench as back up.

Hernandez could expect plenty of game-time as the senior striker among the Monaco ranks and with Rooney and Van Persie nearing their Red Devils returns, a move looks necessary for the Little Pea’s Brazil 2014 hopes.