As United begin to hit top form in their tussle for the title with neighbours City, Javier Hernandez is starting to look like a key component of Sir Alex Ferguson’s front line. With the goals flying in for the champions, the Mexican seems to have jumped ahead of Danny Welbeck as Wayne Rooney’s strike partner and, with an outstanding schedule ahead, “Little Pea” is wasting little time in getting back amongst the Fantasy points.
With Welbeck reduced to a role on the wing in the last couple of games, Hernandez’s partnership with Rooney has seen the pair produce 18 points apiece. Both players returned a total of two goals, an assist and three bonus points over the matches against West Brom and Wolves, indicating the Mexican –despite a lack of spot-kick duties- may be able to match Rooney over the rest of the campaign.
Certainly, the signs are good. Hernandez has played 90 minutes in each of the last two – the first time this season he has been afforded back-to-back full appearances by Ferguson. The United manager admitted after the 5-0 Molineux rout that City’s superior goal difference is playing a part in his thinking, despite the fact his side are ahead of their rivals on points:
It’s straightforward. There are nine games left now. What’s significant is that it’s reduced the goal difference by five goals. It’s down to three now and that might make a difference at the end of the season.
A glance at the conversion rate of United’s three main strikers suggests it’s a no-contest between Hernandez and Welbeck when it comes to producing the goods. Despite playing over 300 minutes less, Hernandez has scored 10 goals to Welbeck’s seven, at a rate of one goal per 124 minutes – almost half the latter’s conversion rate and more in line with Rooney’s 104 minutes per goal.
| Player | Goals | Mins | Mins/Goal | Starts | Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wayne Rooney | 20 | 2089 | 104 | 23 | 25 |
| Javier Hernandez | 10 | 1240 | 124 | 15 | 18 |
| Danny Welbeck | 7 | 1584 | 226 | 19 | 11 |
Further examination of their respective stats shows Hernandez seems to be something of a bonus points magnet, too, picking up 18 from just 15 starts. Again, this is far superior to Welbeck’s 11 from 19 starts and more on a par with the output of Rooney. Indeed, Hernandez has returned maximum bonus points on five occasions; more than Rooney’s four, despite starting eight games fewer.
With many Fantasy managers looking for a way to fit three United players into their squads for the run-in, Hernandez certainly looks an intriguing option, then. Jonny Evans’ cut-price appeal at the back looks set to see him nailed-on by many, while Rooney’s guaranteed starts and returns are almost too good to ignore.
The final, third spot will be ever-crucial. Undoubtedly, if Antonio Valencia can cement his role on the right flank, at 7.7 he also offers superb value, though the United midfield is something of a conundrum. Ashley Young, Nani, Ryan Giggs, Ji-Sung Park and even Welbeck are all potential options on the flanks, leaving their Fantasy owners sweating on the team sheet every weekend.
The stats shows Hernandez is more than capable of returning regular points and with Ferguson’s faith seemingly growing once again, a continued role in the United first-team will substantially boost the Mexican’s potential. With a mere 3.2% Fantasy ownership, the 9.9 priced forward could be a strong differential for the run-in, and, with (FUL, bla, QPR, wig, AVL) up next, his eye for goal may well prove as pivotal as Rooney’s as United go on the offensive in their bid to see off City.
