Mexican star completes £7million Man United move

Javier Hernandez has completed his £7million move to Manchester United after being granted a work permit.

Although the Mexican striker failed to meet the necessary criterion of having played in 75 per cent of his country's games in the last two years,

United successfully argued at yesterday's hearing that he is an "exceptional talent".

Hernandez has joined United from Chivas Guadalajara and will be part of Mexico's squad at the World Cup.

 

Player review: Scholes

He may doubt his ability to continue at the highest level, but no-one else does...

Story of the season: Paul Scholes has long been the United player that fans of other clubs most admire. That’s partly because of his low profile, and the way he seems to get on with the job before popping up with a crucial goal or key contribution just when you’d forgotten he was even in the team. The midfielder, who turned 35 last November, had to be ushered away from thoughts of retirement, having felt the physical strains of 15 years playing at the top level. Whatever the aches and pains he feels, though, no-one would doubt that this is a player who is still at the top of his game. His habit of bagging important goals has also not deserted him. His strikes against Besiktas, Wolves and City were all the only goals of the game, and his contributions against Milan in the San Siro and City in the Carling Cup were further proof that the big players come good on the big occasions. Penning another year's contract extension provided a silver lining to the season.

Finest moment: The late, late header against City at Eastlands is another truly magical moment in a career packed full of them. A past master at ghosting in unnoticed to get on the end of crosses, he couldn’t have picked a better time to resume that habit.

What’s in store? Paul Scholes could surely play for Manchester United as long as he wants to. His game is not based on pace or physical prowess, so Sir Alex will surely do everything he can to keep him playing for another season or two at least. He is the kind of player whose value is only truly realised when he’s no longer there. Let’s hope that day is still a good while away.

 

Harry tells Alex: Hands off Luka

HARRY REDKNAPP last night told Manchester United: Luka Modric is not for sale at ANY price.

SunSport revealed United manager Alex Ferguson has made the Tottenham playmaker his major £25million summer target.

But Redknapp told his old mate Fergie: "There's no chance of it happening at all. Luka's key to everything that's happening at this place.

"Everybody knows what I think of him. And if you want to move on to higher levels you don't start flogging off your best players - to anyone."

Redknapp had been linked with Manchester City's Stephen Ireland as a midfield replacement for Modric.

But the Spurs boss said: "Stephen is undoubtedly a very good player but we have a lot of players who can fill that position. I like him but he won't be a target."

Despite previous interest, Redknapp insisted he will not move for £14m-rated Bolton defender Gary Cahill, who interests Arsenal.

He said: "I like the player, always have. But I am very happy with my defence.

"Michael Dawson and Ledley King have shown what they are all about by forcing their way into the England squad.

"I have an excellent squad and - I stress - Luka Modric is going to remain a part of it."

Modric helped Spurs clinch fourth place to grab a coveted Champions League berth.

The Croatia star, 24, said: "I thought at the time 'This is a big thing for us'. If we qualify for the group stages of the Champions League I'm sure this club will go on to another level."

READ the full Luka Modric interview in Hotspur, the official magazine of Tottenham Hotspur, out tomorrow.

TheSun

Player review: Nani

The Portuguese trickster finally came into his own in a red shirt last season...

Story of the season: Some Reds had been less than charitable in their appraisal of the Portuguese backflipper since his arrival at Old Trafford in 2007. The flashes of skill he had shown were too few and far between to justify his hefty transfer fee, they reasoned. But soon after the papers reported that he had angered Sir Alex after talking out of turn and was demanding to move during the transfer window, he hit a rich vein of form. His performances in the Carling Cup semi-final victory over City and the league win at Arsenal particularly caught the eye, and he continued to look like a potent attacking weapon for the Reds rather than the source of fan frustration. You get the feeling that this is a confidence player who will now go on to show what he is really made of.

Finest moment: Nani will be pleased to know that the Dubious Goals Panel has awarded him his effort at the Emirates against Arsenal. In a piece of individual brilliance, Nani’s jink between two defenders and effortless wrong-footing of another brought him face-to-face with Gunners keeper Manuel Almunia, allbeit at an impossibly acute angle. His exquisite lob, which Almunia could only palm into the net, would probably have gone in anyway, or if not been bundled over the line by the waiting Ji-sung Park.

What’s in store? He signed a new four-year deal at the end of March, and even if his stock rises further at the World Cup, it is unlikely that Sir Alex will let him go. Expect him to be an even more integral part of the manager's plans next season.

Valencia won’t sell off the Silva

MANCHESTER UNITED and Real Madrid have been told David Silva is not for sale.

The Valencia midfielder, 24, has been linked with a £30million move. But president Manuel Llorente insisted: "He will not leave."

TheSun

You Jav to Hern your place here

WE JAV TO WORRY ... Mexican ace is still waiting for a work permit

MANCHESTER UNITED new boy Javier Hernandez is still sweating on a work permit before rubber-stamping his £7million switch to Old Trafford.

The Mexican striker, 21, faces a hearing this week and United are praying they will be given special dispensation by the Home Office.

Hernandez gave English fans a glimpse of his talent during a cameo performance for his country at Wembley on Monday.

But he does not meet the regular criteria to be granted a permit as he has not played in 75 per cent of the games for Mexico's senior team in the last two years.

So United plan to highlight his 'exceptional ability' as their reason for trying to sign him.

TheSun

Player review: Carrick

Michael didn't reach his own high standards, but still showed his team value...

Story of the season The Reds' ever-changing midfield had Michael Carrick on his toes, even before December’s defensive injury crisis forced him into some unexpected moonlighting. Ultimately, he might consider this a frustrating campaign. He didn’t come racing out of the blocks, a slow start to the season capped with the disappointment of a missed penalty in the shock early defeat at Burnley. There were flashes of his undoubted class, but he didn’t consistently find the metronome rhythm that has made United’s midfield tick to his beat since arriving at OT in 2006. That said, his contribution to the team was still important. He covered valiantly during the defensive injury crisis. And the work done in December in particular was a vital part of why United were in contention for major honours in April and May - regardless of the outcome - and he bagged five goals in all competitions - only Paul Scholes scored more from a central midfield position.

Finest moment Against West Ham with some defensive reshuffling needed, Carrick replaced the injured Gary Neville in the first half and took up central defensive duties. The scores were locked at 0-0 at this point and it seemed like being a difficult afternoon at Upton Park. But Carrick performed like he’d played there all his life. United ended up winning 4-0, his contribution vital. He continued the role three days later in the 3-1 win away to Wolfsburg, earning him the moniker 'Carrickbauer' in reference to legendary German lynchpin Franz Beckenbauer.

What’s in store? His ability to control games, dictate the pace of play is a talent only the top midfielders possess. He has competition; Darren Fletcher is first-choice midfielder, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes have vast experience, Owen Hargreaves will hopefully return, while Darron Gibson and Anderson have promise. But Carrick is rarely flustered, and he’ll enjoy the challenge of making the passer-in-chief job his own again next season.