Javier Hernandez’s heartfelt rant about Man Utd’s standards as the club falls into the relegation zone is going viral.
Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez didn’t hold back when talking about Manchester United’s current struggles, as his old team finds itself in the relegation zone.
On Sunday, Manchester United needed a last-minute miracle to earn a point at home against Aston Villa, thanks to two injury-time goals that helped the game end 4-4. Even with that point, United stays 18th in the Premier League, still stuck in the relegation zone just before the international break. Hernandez, a fan favorite who spent five years at the club, isn’t happy about it.
He was at Old Trafford to watch the thrilling 4-4 draw and shared his thoughts ahead of the match on the team’s problems and the role of current manager Michael Carrick, his former teammate. But instead of blaming Carrick or the club’s management, the 38-year-old stressed that the players need to step up and take more responsibility.
Talking to Sky Sports, he said: “I’m still playing football, but I used to play for Manchester United. Even during tough times, it wasn’t just about what Sir Alex Ferguson did with tactics. The players had to perform. Once the whistle blows, the manager can only do so much.
“At Manchester United, when you wear the shirt, you shouldn’t focus on what’s missing. You need to give your all for the club because it could be the best part of your career. For many of us, that’s the case. You have to give everything.
“I’ve heard a lot of talk about tactics and strategy, but in my time, it was clear — you need to perform, or someone else will. If you can’t step up, you might find yourself back home, and the story changes.
“I think players need to be more honest with themselves. Whatever the tactics or management is like, that’s part of it. But if you’re here, you must prove why you deserve to be here, no matter your position or the role the coach gives you.”
Hernandez’s message is similar to other former players, like Gary Neville, who has said the team isn’t ‘living and breathing this club like real pros’. It’s no wonder fans and former players are unhappy, with United sitting 18th in the Premier League, 17th in the Champions League, and already out of the Carabao Cup since September.