Javier “Chicharito” Hernández returned to Old Trafford more than a decade after his most successful spell at the club, taking part in the celebrations marking 40 years since Sir Alex Ferguson joined Manchester United.
A special guest at Old Trafford
The Mexican forward was a guest of honour at the Premier League fixture against Aston Villa, which was played as Matchday 10 of the 2026-27 season. The match ended in a dramatic draw, with Villa coming back from behind on two occasions to rescue a point after the hosts had threatened to take control of the game.
The result did little to ease the pressure on the home side, who remain in the relegation zone. Under manager Michael Carrick, United have endured a difficult campaign, and the celebrations for the club’s most successful manager in history were overshadowed by the team’s struggles.
Chicharito defends Carrick
Before kick-off, Hernández spoke to the media on the Old Trafford pitch and gave his view on the club’s current situation. He praised Carrick’s calm temperament, recalling him as a player who was always composed on the field. He argued that the manager’s steadiness is important at a time when the club is near the bottom of the table, even if some fans would prefer more drastic decisions and more visible passion.
Hernández also said he was satisfied with the work Carrick has done so far. He stressed, however, that coaches come and go while the players remain, and that responsibility for the team’s results is shared by everyone at the club, from the owners and board to the coaching staff and the players themselves.
A message to the current squad
The former striker, who is the all-time leading goalscorer for the Mexican national team, drew on his own experience at United. He admitted that there were many times when he was unhappy on the bench despite producing good numbers, but said he chose to focus on proving his worth regardless of his mood. His message to the current players was blunt: anyone who needs motivation to perform at Manchester United should not be playing for the club.
Source: www.eluniversal.com.mx
