• Champions League

Home leg will by key against Chelsea - Hernandez

ESPNsoccernet staff
March 18, 2011
Javier Hernandez scored twice against Marseille © PA Photos
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Javier Hernandez believes Manchester United can take full advantage of playing the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final at Old Trafford - but concedes playing Chelsea will be a test.

United were paired with their Premier League rivals in the quarter-final draw on Friday, with Chelsea having got the better of United recently at Stamford Bridge.

Hernandez, who started on the bench in United's 2-1 defeat to Chelsea earlier this month, is focused on adding to his tally of three Champions League goals when the sides resume their rivalry on April 6.

"We play in the same league and it is going to be tough," said Hernandez. "Stamford Bridge is a nice stadium and it makes it a little bit like a league game.

"But if there is an advantage that we are at home in the second game. I am trying to think game by game and not to look too far in the future. But I am very happy with the way things are going in the Champions League and I want to keep it like that."

Having been something of a revelation this season, Hernandez has received praise from his manager Sir Alex Ferguson - but the young Mexican insists 'monster' strike-partner Wayne Rooney has been crucial to his success.

"Playing with Wayne is a dream. He's a monster to be alongside and I never believed I would get so many games and goals during my first season at United," he said.

"Mr Ferguson's comments are very important for me. He has given me such confidence, he raises my morale and my only hope is that nothing changes."

Despite some trying to dub Hernandez as the 'little Carlos Tevez', he is more concerned with carving out a reputation as a lethal goalscorer in his own right.

He said: "The little Tevez? I'm really proud that people are comparing me to him but I am Chicharito and am living my dreams at the moment.

"I am very happy because I know there is so much more to come. My secret is to study opposition defenders and work out their weak points. I try to outwit them with my speed and anticipation in the area. So my goals are not down to luck.

"Perhaps the better physical preparation here in England is the key to my performances. This aspect of the game is better than in South America and I have profited."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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