Hernandez has enjoyed an excellent debut campaign for the Old Trafford outfit so far, netting seven goals in 18 appearances, having got off the mark in rather unconventional style in his competitive debut at the Community Shield in Wembley. The Mexican scored four times in as many appearances during an excellent run in October, including late winners against Stoke and Wolves. It was Hernandez's first against Stoke that really caught the eye, though, as he rose in the penalty area, then delivered a back header with enough force to power it past Thomas Sorensen. For such a physically slight individual, it was an amazing effort, that Ferguson feels deserves comparison with the best exponents. "He has got the spring but he also has the ability to just hang there for a second or two, just like Denis Law and Ian St John. "Some bigger players had great ability in the air but it is that talent to hang in the air for a fraction that can upset defenders." A virtual unknown when United confirmed his capture from Chivas in the final weeks of last season, Hernandez has settled in remarkably well. Unlike Diego Forlan, he avoided getting caught in a trap of not scoring an early goal, which has meant that while exactly half his appearances have come from the bench, they have not been used as a statistic to emphasise a lengthy barren run. Others, such as Garry Birtles and Peter Davenport, have endured similar problems down the years. But Hernandez has a clarity of vision about the direction he is headed which suggests he was never destined to become an Old Trafford failure. "I am really enjoying it," he said. "I know I am lucky person to be here because this is a great opportunity for me. "Despite the pressures of playing for a big club with such a huge stature, United is very much like a big family. "From the coaching staff, backroom staff and the cooks, everyone at the club treats you the same. "We all get on. Everyone gives you a slap on the back and encourages you from time to time. "That atmosphere has allowed me to improve and to grow as a person and a player." Also amongst Hernandez's goals collection is the winner from United's previous meeting with Valencia in September, another late effort that proved to be the start of a four-match winning run that has swept the Red Devils into the last 16. But Ferguson is not satisfied just yet. The United boss, who is approaching Sir Matt Busby's record as the longest serving manager at the club, is demanding top spot in Group C as well in order to avoid heavyweight Spanish duo Real Madrid and Barcelona. A single point will seal it, which is why Ferguson is ready to revert to his strongest side, condemning Hernandez to a place on the bench as Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov are reunited for the first time since the Bulgarian's record-equalling five-goal salvo against Blackburn nine days ago. Certainly, Ferguson did not need reminding of Barcelona's power in their five-goal demolition of Real last week and confirmation that the Catalan giants are responsible for all three men on the short list for the prestigious Ballon D'Or merely emphasises they will be the team to beat this year. "If you get Barcelona on one of their good days they can do that to anyone," said Ferguson. "It was a marvellous performance but even before the Champions League started they would have been one of the favourites. "Like everyone else, they have days when they can be beaten but the sensible approach is to avoid the bigger hitters and we can only do that if we do finish first in our group."
