Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson won't sell Javier Hernandez

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson won't sell Javier Hernandez

The Mexican frontman has netted 16 times for United this season, but has been restricted to just six Premier League starts.

It has been suggested that the 24-year-old is growing frustrated at playing back-up to Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie and could be tempted to move on if offered regular first team football elsewhere.

Ferguson, though, has made it clear that Hernandez remains an important part of his plans and is not for sale.

He said: "Javier is on a long-term contract. We won't be entertaining any interest.

"I speak to the players all the time, especially the ones who don't play. I have said to Javier that it hasn't been easy to leave him out because of his 16-goal tally.

"If you look at the goals he has scored in terms of the games he has played, he has a brilliant record. He will always have that because he is a fantastic penalty-box player.

"But it's difficult when you are up against a player of Robin van Persie's form. Then we've got (Danny) Welbeck, Rooney and (Shinji) Kagawa. That's the benefit of having a strong squad. It's given us an advantage."

Important

Ferguson added on a player he snapped up from Guadalajara in 2010: "Hernandez wants to play in every game. If his patience runs out that isn't a problem for me. If players aren't happy that's great.

"I have no issues with the lad. He's been brilliant, a breath of fresh air since he came here. He's a really important player for us.

"He does something in every game. He changes things. He does something different to the other strikers we have.

"Javier will play against Chelsea on Monday because he's got a fantastic scoring record against them."