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Hernandez set to make ‘dream’ United debut against MLS All Stars

| 28.07.2010

Javier Hernandez used to play with Ryan Giggs et al on his computer console, but at 1.30am on Thursday morning he will swap the pixels of the Playstaion for a pitch in Houston and link up with the likes of the Welsh wizard for real.

The 22-year-old Mexico striker says he will complete a “dream” when he features for Manchester United against the MLS All Stars team at the Reliant Stadium.

It’s the third game of United’s pre-season American tour and despite losing 2-1 to Kansas City last time out the Red Devils are 4/7 favourites to win the game.

But the All Stars shouldn’t be dismissed too easily as the squad includes ex-Aston Villa striker Juan Pablo Angel, US World Cup player Edson Buddle and 10-cap Argentinian Guillermo Schelotto.

The biggest name in the team, however, is LA Galaxy forward Landon Donovan, who was at loan at Everton last season and scored three goals for the USA at the World Cup.

The MLS side are 4/1 to beat Sir Alex Ferguson’a team.

This time last year few had heard of Hernandez, who will wear Chicarito on the back of his shirt in reference to his Little Pea nickname. Yet after a World Cup where he scored two fine goals for Mexico, excitement surrounding the striker is mounting.

At 40/1, he could be worth a bet to grab the Golden Boot.

“I dreamed of one day being able to play with all of these players, and I’m going to try to learn from them,” Hernandez said.

Ferguson admitted the fact the match was a 70,000 sell-out would persuade him to play the 22-year-old. “There’s a big Mexican population in Houston and it’s a very exciting attraction for them. We want to integrate him into the team as quickly as possible.”

United are 9/1 to win the game 3-1, the score they managed against Celtic.

After the All-Star Game, United end their tour against Chivas in Guadalajara, where Hernandez will play a half for each side. Asked what happens if his new player scores against United, Ferguson said: “He’ll be fined and transferred back!”

Manchester City face Club America at 1.00am on Thursday. Roberton Mancini’s side are 10/11 to win, while the Mexican team, who boast Chilean forward Jean Beausejour, are 12/5 to come out victorious.

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Author

Richard Anderson