When Javier Hernandez replaced Wayne Rooney in the opening day fixture against Newcastle, a handful of the home support, with a sense of humour, put on sombreros to mark the new boy’s first competitive appearance for the club. Hernandez has already become somewhat of a hero, with plenty of supporters expecting a good season for the Mexican, following his impact at the World Cup. He’ll do his utmost to impress this year, as will Mame Biram Diouf and Federico Macheda – both of whom starred whilst in action last week.
Diof, on loan to Blackburn, scored three in a blinding performance which powered a strong Rovers outfit to a 3-1 over Norwich City in the League Cup. In front of a decent Ewood Park crowd, he delivered exactly what the doctor ordered with a goal on the half-hour mark; enough to settle the jitters of the home fans who were sensing an opener. Funnily enough, and encouragingly so, his goals had a similar theme running through it. His first two were easy-peasy, netting from close range and another two were also headed goals. The third was most impressive, a well-timed leap matched by a powerful head. Some may feel he could have had almost double his original tally, missing a whole host of chances yet the message was simple at the end of the day: this guy has talent. On his full debut, it was exactly was he needed in order to stake a claim for next season. If he impresses enough this campaign in Big Sam’s side, you feel Sir Alex will come calling again. Of course, he has always had the potential, which is why Fergie brought him in the first place. Let’s hope there’s more to come from the Senegalese international.
Over at Ewen Fields, Kiko Macheda scored twice in a fantastic display which saw United reserves beat Manchester City's equivalent 3-1, a game which featured a whole array of big names such as Michael Carrick, Gary Neville and a nearly fit again Anderson. Tom Cleverley’s performance was also eye-catching, reaping the rewards when he eventually scored the third. His predator's instinct as a natural goalscorer was plain to see as he fired on all cylinders.
Both he and Diouf have started the campaign superbly – a sure sign that the future is bright. The duo may be below Hernandez in the pecking order, although that could be testament to the club’s great strength; the depth of the first-team squad. Hernandez could make a huge impact for the senior side this season, but this time next year he may have a lot to do to keep both of these promising forwards quiet and out of contention. For Macheda, you feel he will have a few more spells with the reserves because of the amount of forwards the club possesses, but Tuesday’s performance was at least a message to Sir Alex displaying the young’s lad intent and talent that can get him into the first team. The future’s bright, the future’s red.
