Giggs hails Hernandez’s contribution

Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs hails Hernandez's contribution in all-important win over Chelsea

Giggs hails Hernandez's contribution

Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs hailsu00a0Hernandez'su00a0 contribution in all-important win over Chelsea

Outside his native Mexico, few had heard of Hernandez before Sir Alex Ferguson completed his cloak-and-dagger operation to sign the striker in April last year.

Manchester United's Javier Hernandez scores during Sunday's English
Premier League match against Chelsea in Manchester. PIC/AFP

A couple of decent performances at the World Cup gave an indication Ferguson might have landed a ufffd7million bargain, but even the United manager did not expect 22-year-old Hernandez to make the impact he has during an incredible campaign.

Starting from an unorthodox goal on his debut in the Community Shield win, to yesterday's 36-second stunner, both against Chelsea, Hernandez has now become the first United player to score 20 in his debut campaign since Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2001.

"Twenty goals in his first season is unbelievable," said Giggs. "You are always in with a chance when you have a goalscorer like Javier in your team. He has made a fantastic impact, on and off the pitch.

"His English is perfect, which has helped, and his goal just sums up his season.

Should United collect the single point required to clinch the title, it would be a 12th for Giggs, a quite staggering effort, although not one he is willing to celebrate just yet.

"We have a great chance haven't we?" said Giggs.

"We have to get a point from two games, one of which is at home, where our form has been brilliant.

"But mathematically we are not there, so we can't celebrate," added the veteran Welshman.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels