"Winning the FA Cup last season shut a lot of mouths" - Javier Hernandez believes Manchester United are on the right track after FA Cup win
Former Manchester United forward Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez reckons the Red Devils' FA Cup triumph last season shut down a lot of their critics. He also believes United are on the right path forward after their FA Cup win and will use it to set standards for the 2024-25 campaign.
Erik ten Hag and Co. largely struggled for form and consistency last season, finishing eighth in the Premier League with 60 points from 38 games, 31 points behind champions Manchester City. They faced heavy criticism for this but were able to salvage their season, winning the FA Cup by defeating City 2-1 in the final at Wembley.
In an interview with the club's media, Hernandez stated (via Manchester United's official website):
"I think Manchester United has been criticised sometimes in a harsh way. We were used to see always Manchester United fighting for titles, at least one title, and fighting for the league at least, you know, and being in [the] Champions League. But now I think this [the FA Cup] proves that things are going in a correct path."
He added:
"There's still a long way to go and of course... when I was there I was a Manchester United player and now that I'm a Manchester United fan, we all demand and expect the best out of the players, manager and everyone. But that's the standards of one of the greatest organisations in the world. So that's normal."
Chicharito dived into the Red Devils' FA Cup triumph last season:
"But I think winning the FA Cup last season shut a lot of mouths... Of course, it is not what it was 10 years ago. That's obvious. But things are not as bad as you think they are, you know."
"Winning an FA Cup... you know, I didn't have the chance to win it. I lost a semi-final against Manchester City in Wembley, you know. I think that could help a lot of players to gain more confidence. But as well [it helps] to set as a standard that that's the least that we can expect for next season. "And then I think you can make top players convinced that they can come and you can win things and you can make your your squad more strong."
Hernandez established himself as an Old Trafford hero during his tenure there between 2010 and 2015, garnering 59 goals and 18 assists in 157 appearances across all competitions. The 36-year-old helped United win three trophies, including two Premier League titles.
"A crucial part of of our identity" - Javier Hernandez hails Manchester United's academy after impressive 2023-24 showing
During the aforementioned interview, Javier Hernandez also waxed lyrical about the Red Devils' academy, noting that the emergence of players like Alejandro Garnacho is something to be optimistic about.
Several youth products from the academy have flourished in the senior team over the last few seasons. The likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, and Willy Kambwala impressed last season, with each player having extended runs in the starting XI.
Chicharito noted this and said:
"That's the beautiful part about Manchester United. Regardless of the past years. Yeah, we've been in very transitional times and sometimes things didn't go as well as we wanted. But I think the youth academy still keep bringing players."
He continued:
"The youth in Manchester United [was there] since I was there in the past, and now it's being a crucial part of of our identity as Manchester United. You can get the best players around the world in different teams. But as well you can kind of create them, you know, and I think Garnacho and other players are very good proof of that."
"I think the team is getting there; I think the team is getting stronger and stronger. The young guys are getting the time that they need."
Ten Hag's men will next be in action against Arsenal in a pre-season friendly at the SoFi Stadium on Saturday, July 27.