Hernandez can be 'major influence'

Javier Hernandez has already impressed his new coaches and manager with some outstanding displays at the World Cup – prompting Reds assistant boss Mike Phelan to suggest he can have a “major influence” at Old Trafford.

Hernandez will meet up with his new team-mates on the summer tour of America in time for the match against his former club Chivas in Mexico. And Phelan says everyone at United is looking forward to linking up with the 22-year-old.

"We were quietly pleased with what we saw of Javier at the World Cup,” Phelan told ManUtd.com.

“He’s still on a break after being in South Africa with Mexico, but we’d like to get him on board as quick as we can, so he’ll join us in America. Then hopefully he’ll be a major influence on the team.”

Hernandez’s World Cup performances justified United’s move for the young striker, whose two goals - one of them an unerring finish in their second round 3-1 defeat to Argentina – highlighted his abundant potential.

“We did the deal before the World Cup and that has probably helped us a little bit!” added Phelan. “He has only just begun his career with the national team, but already he is a very influential player for Mexico. He’s young, he’s athletic and he’s as keen as mustard. He’ll be a good addition to what we’ve already got.

"We all hope he hits the ground running and adds to what we think is a good blend of youth and experience in our squad. We just hope it all comes together.”

Hernandez isn’t the only new face in the United ranks this summer. Young centre-half Chris Smalling joined from Fulham in a pre-announced deal and has been training with his new colleagues at Carrington this week. He is another player who has impressed Phelan.

“We’d spoken to Chris a few times before he actually joined us,” said Mike. “He knew he was coming to the club so we kept in close contact with him. He’s with us now and looking forward to the challenge.

"A club this big is brand new for him. But given time and with a bit of patience, I’m sure he’ll do well. The tour will help him settle in and get to know everyone.”

Hargreaves to miss tour

Owen Hargreaves has today been ruled out of United's pre-season tour.

Sir Alex Ferguson told MUTV: "The bad news is that Owen Hargreaves is back in America seeing the specialist. He won't be ready for the start of the season. I don't know when he'll be back."

The midfielder was sidelined between September 2008 and April 2010 and required surgery on both knees but did return to action at the end of last season. He played 45 minutes for the Reserves before making a brief appearance off the bench in the first-team's final away fixture at Sunderland.

There’s plenty of positive news for United fans, though, with the boss confirming three key men should recover from injury in time to line up for the start of the season.

“Antonio Valencia should be okay and Nani should be ready for the start of the season, too. Michael Owen is doing great – he’s doing all his work in the gymnasium every day. I don’t think he’ll be fit to go to America but he should be ready for the start of the season.”

The boss also revealed Rio Ferdinand faces a battle to be fit for the Reds’ first league test, at home to Newcastle United on Monday 16 August, although admitted it will be a race that’s run close.

“It depends on how his progress is over the next few weeks,” he said.

Meanwhile, Brazilian midfielder Anderson remains on track to return from a cruciate knee injury in late September.

“He’s doing fine, he’s working hard, but it will be late September.”