Sir Alex Ferguson believes Mexican striker Javier Hernandez has provided Manchester United with the extra fire-power required to win the Champions League.
Hernandez helped United into the quarter-finals of Europe’s elite club competition as his double-strike secured a 2-1 win over Marseille in the last 16 second leg at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
The 22-year-old, nicknamed Chicharito, has surprised Ferguson with the speed of his development since arriving at United as a relative unknown from Guadalajara in pre-season.
The United manager was delighted with the way Hernandez combined with Rooney as the Red Devils overcame yet another lethargic display to edge past the French champions.
“Hernandez’s pace and movement is helping us, he is a real handful. If you see the first goal he has made three runs before he scores,” Ferguson said.
“The boy’s movement is fantastic and I think Wayne is thriving on that, he is enjoying the freedom behind Hernandez.
“We are surprised how well Hernandez has done. When we brought him we thought he would take some time adjust.
“He started as a sub and when he came on he won a few games. Now he has adjusted to the physical part and is lasting 90 minutes.
“That is giving us great options, with his form the way it is we can make some changes now.”
Didier Deschamps’ team wasted several good chances before Wes Brown’s 83rd-minute own goal set up a tense finale and Ferguson conceded that his side had struggled to cope at times.
“The balance of the team wasn’t helped by two defenders coming off, especially when we were without Rio (Ferdinand) and (Nemanja) Vidic,” he said.
“That was our biggest problem. They are a very powerful, strong team and kept us under pressure with their deliveries into the box.”
While the spluttering manner of United’s performances raises questions about the team’s quality, the Premier League leaders are still on course for the treble.
If United are to win the European Cup for the fourth time, they could do with avoiding favourites Barcelona, but Ferguson fears no opponent.
“We have had some great experiences in the European Cup over the years. It is the best tournament in the world. It is the one you want to try and win again,” Ferguson said. “This team’s best chance is because our away form is very good. That always gives you a chance in the next stage.
“Everyone has their qualities. At this stage whoever you get will be hard.”
Marseille boss Deschamps was unimpressed with United and admitted his side missed a golden opportunity to claim a famous victory.
“My feeling is regret. We had a chance to do something better,” Deschamps said.
“We have to be honest, we didn’t play against a fantastic United side. They were weakened by injury before the game and then suffered two more injuries in the game and it’s a shame we couldn’t take advantage of that.”