Hernandez excited for 2024/25 after FA Cup success

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Former United striker Javier Hernandez thinks last season’s FA Cup triumph over Manchester City could be a transformative success for the club, as the Reds embark on a new era under a new footballing structure.

Chicharito, who scored 59 goals in 157 appearances for United between 2010 and 2015, helping the club to two Premier League titles, said the win over Pep Guardiola’s team had “shut a lot of mouths” and implied Erik ten Hag’s team were not as far away from wider success as many people might have thought.

“I think Manchester United has been criticised sometimes in a harsh way,” explained the Mexican.

“We were used to see always Manchester United fighting for titles, at least one title, and fighting for the league at least, you know, and being in [the] Champions League. But now I think this [the FA Cup] proves that things are going in a correct path.

“There’s still a long way to go and of course… when I was there I was a Manchester United player and now that I’m a Manchester United fan, we all demand and expect the best out of the players, manager and everyone. But that’s the standards of one of the greatest organisations in the world. So that’s normal.

“But I think winning the FA Cup last season shut a lot of mouths… Of course, it is not what it was 10 years ago. That’s obvious. But things are not as bad as you think they are, you know.

“Winning an FA Cup… you know, I didn’t have the chance to win it. I lost a semi-final against Manchester City in Wembley, you know. I think that could help a lot of players to gain more confidence. But as well [it helps] to set as a standard that that’s the least that we can expect for next season.

“And then I think you can make top players convinced that they can come and you can win things and you can make your your squad more strong.”

Hernandez went on to expand on his hopes for next season, saying that the Academy and the development of players like Alejandro Garnacho was a big cause for optimism.

“That’s the beautiful part about Manchester United,” said Chicharito. “Regardless of the past years. Yeah, we’ve been in very transitional times and sometimes things didn’t go as well as we wanted. But I think the youth academy still keep bringing players.

“The youth in Manchester United [was there] since I was there in the past, and now it’s being a crucial part of of our identity as Manchester United. You can get the best players around the world in different teams. But as well you can kind of create them, you know, and I think Garnacho and other players are very good proof of that.

“I think the team is getting there; I think the team is getting stronger and stronger. The young guys are getting the time that they need.”

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