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Hernandez won't shirk United fight

Javier Hernandez is ready to fight for his place at Manchester United © PA Photos

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Javier Hernandez has insisted he has been spurred on by the added competition for places at Manchester United.

The Mexican made a blistering start to life in the Premier League last season, dislodging Dimitar Berbatov as Wayne Rooney's strike partner with mature displays that belied his 23 years.

Hernandez suffered a head injury during pre-season, handing Danny Welbeck the chance to move up the pecking order. With Federico Macheda, Berbatov and Michael Owen also in the reckoning, Hernandez has found himself facing a fight for selection.

The former Chivas man believes that playing for a club of United's stature means competition is common place and is spurred on to make his mark.

"It's not a problem," Hernandez told United's official website. "I've come to learn that there will always be competition, at any club. You look around on the training pitch and there are almost 30 players, but only 11 can start a game. So it's tough.

"You'll always have disappointments. It helps you improve, though. On the training ground everybody wants to do their best, they want to prove what they can do and earn a spot in the team."

Welbeck has forced his way into the England reckoning on the back of his fine start to the season and his form has not come as a surprise to Hernandez.

"I remember when I was in Mexico and I was watching Manchester United on television - Danny was just starting to come into the team and be given a few chances," Hernandez said. "You could see he had a lot of potential then, and was improving all the time. He was a good prospect then and now he's even better. He's had a great start to the season."

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