Sir Alex Ferguson sends heartfelt message to former Man Utd man after boyhood club return

Javier Hernandez admitted he will 'always be a red' after receiving a lovely message from former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, following his return to boyhood club Chivas.

Hernandez's return to Chivas, where he came through the academy and spent four years in the first-team, was confirmed on Wednesday after he left LA Galaxy late last year. It was with the Mexican side that the striker, known also as 'Chicharito' was spotted by United and brought over to the Premier League.

Once in England, he spent six seasons at Old Trafford, three of which were under Ferguson before the Scot's 2013 retirement, winning two Premier League titles and scoring 59 goals. Following confirmation of the move, United posted a video message from Ferguson on social media.

“Chicharito, it’s your old boss here,” Ferguson said. “First of all, I want to congratulate you on your return to your old club, back to Mexico where it all started, where I found you and signed you and you were a great, fantastic player for us. 

“You’ve had a great career. I think now, when you go back to your old club, you have an opportunity to add to your experience and give your experience to all the players there. So, regards to your family. Have a great time and more goals to come. All the best.” 

The video was well received among United supporters and Hernandez himself, who responded to the message on X, formerly Twitter. He said: “Boss, there’s no words to describe how much you mean to me. Being able to say I was one of your players is one of my biggest achievements. THANK YOU!

"And to my other family @ManUtd thank you for letting me be part of your history. Will love you forever. Once a red, always a red.” 

Hernandez's six-year spell at United was the longest with a single club during his long and well-travelled career. After spending one season on loan at Real Madrid, the Mexican also played for Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham and Sevilla before moving to La Galaxy in 2020.

Now 35, he is thought to have rejected offers from the Middle East in order to return home, where he penned a short-term contract.