adminCARSON (California). – Manchester United have added Javier Hernandez to its roster for the team’s pre-season tour of the US.
Relegated to a reserve role for much of last season, Chicharito will join the Red Devils before their exhibition against the Los Angeles Galaxy on Wednesday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, the team’s first match under new manager Louis van Gaal.
Hernandez played for Mexico in the World Cup, appearing in all four of El Tri’s games and scoring against Croatia. The 26-year-old forward has 59 goals in four seasons at United.
United are missing Robin van Persie, Marouane Fellaini and Adnan Januzaj following the World Cup, and Michael Carrick is expected to be sidelined for the first two months of the season following left ankle surgery on Thursday.
Manchester United also play Roma on July 26 at Denver; Inter Milan three days later at Landover and European champion Real Madrid on August 2 at Ann Arbor in Michigan.
Meanwhile, Bryan Robson has urged Louis van Gaal to make strengthening Manchester United’s defence his priority ahead of the new season.
New boss Van Gaal launches his reign against LA Galaxy on Wednesday with United’s back four depleted by the departures of experienced centre back pair Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand while left-back Patrice Evra is poised to join Juventus.
United have signed England left-back Luke Shaw from Southampton for £28,8 million and are trying to push through deals for Arsenal’s Thomas Vermaelen and Borussia Dortmund’s Germany World Cup-winning star Mats Hummels.
United legend Robson believes defence is the most important area of the squad Van Gaal must address before the new season kicks off, despite their central midfield options being hit with Michael Carrick bring ruled out for three months following ankle surgery.
Van Gaal has taken a 25-strong squad to the US for United’s four-game pre-season tour, which sees the club take in games in LA, Denver, Washington and Detroit, with the propsect of a fifth game in Miami should they reach the final of the International Champions Cup. – AP.
Online Reporter