Fergie allays fears over long-term brain scare to hospitalised Hernandez

Sir Alex Ferguson has played down fears that Javier Hernandez may be suffering from a long-standing brain condition after the Mexico striker was hospitalised with concussion on Manchester United's tour of America.


The former club doctor at Chivas Guadalajara, where Hernandez started his career before moving to Old Trafford for £7million last summer, revealed that he ordered the player to undergo a series of tests when he experienced acute migraines six years ago.
It has raised concerns that the concussion Hernandez suffered in an innocuous incident on Tuesday night, when he was hit on the head by a ball in training, might be linked to his previous problems in Mexico.

No KO blow: Ferguson has played down fears over hospitalised Javier Hernandez

Rafael Ortega, said: 'I remember in his time as a youth player at Chivas, he suffered from acute migraines. Originally it manifested itself as a severe headache but afterwards the symptoms disappeared. We had some studies done on him but that was six years ago and he has done well since. 


'I don't know if there is a connection between the two situations. I'm not up to date with the current situation, we would have to speak to a neurologist.




'I don't know if this can affect him in the future. I'm sure United will send him to a specialist and the situation will be resolved.'


Hernandez fell ill after dinner and was so groggy that he was unable to communicate with United's medical staff in English. He was taken to a hospital in New Jersey and detained overnight, but released on Thursday.


While the rest of the squad flew to Washington DC, Hernandez followed later by car but Ferguson played down the concerns when Ortega's comments were put to him.

Fears: Hernandez could miss the start of the season after he suffered a concussion in training

He said: 'I'm not aware of that. This is a straightforward concussion. He was hit on the top of the head with a ball in the early evening, and when he was back in the hotel eating he was sick.


'He went to hospital and was kept in overnight, but the scans were clear and they released him yesterday.'


Five players in Major League Soccer have recently been forced to retire on the advice of their doctors after suffering concussion, but Ferguson dismissed any suggestions that it could do any long-term damage to Hernandez's career.


'I don't see any history of players quitting because of concussion,' he added.
'It's something you don't want to happen, but usually time heals that.


'We won't be rushing Chicharito back. We'll only do it when the doctor says he can.'

All the president's men: Manchester United visited the White House in Washington DC

The United boss visited the White House on Thursday with his squad and backroom staff shortly after touching down from New Jersey where they beat the MLS All-Stars in the early hours of Wednesday morning.


Goals from Anderson, Ji-Sung Park, Dimitar Berbatov and Danny Welbeck saw United maintain their 100 per cent record on tour, having won all four games, scoring 18 goals and conceding just two.


However, they face their toughest test against Barcelona at FedEx Field on Saturday, in a rematch of the Champions League Final in May.


US president Barack Obama was unable to meet the United party as the deadlock over America's $14.3trillion national debt reached crisis point, but Ferguson said: 'It was fantastic. Fascinating. I've been before but it's such an historic and incredible place. We all enjoyed it.'


The Barcelona squad also visited the White House but were prevented from jogging on the famous lawn by security staff.

JAVIER HERNANDEZ INJURY SHOCK FOR MANCHESTER UNITED

MANCHESTER UNITED'S growing fears for Javier Hernandez were confirmed last night when he was ruled out of the start of the new season.

Javier Hernandez Chicharito

The Mexican striker suffered concussion during United’s summer tour of America.

He was sick during a team meal, having been struck on the head in an earlier training session. He was rushed to hospital in New York and had MRI scans before being told he could not fly with the rest of the squad to Washington.

Hernandez was driven the 300-mile trip instead before being given the all clear to return home last Saturday following United’s 2-1 win over Barcelona.

United presumed Hernandez would besidelined for two weeks at the most but have been forced to take extra caution with him after it emerged he has suffered from severe headaches and sickness before.

United’s medical staff have carried out more tests on Hernandez in England and boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he won’t be back in action until the end of this month.

Hernandez, who plundered 20 goals in his debut season at Old Trafford, will miss tomorrow’s Community Shield.

He is also expected to sit out league encounters with West Brom and Tottenham but hopes to return at home to Arsenal on August 28.

Fergie said: “Hernandez is out for two to three weeks, as we are playing it safe with his concussion.

“He should be back by the end of August.”

Fergie is relishing the chance to silence his ‘noisy neighbours’ before the serious business starts next weekend.

City beat United at Wembley in April in the FA Cup semi-final on their way to winning their first trophy in 35 years.

Now the pressure is on Mancini to engineer an even more successful campaign this time round, otherwise he knows he will be in danger of getting the sack.

Fergie has told Mancini to win silverware on a consistent basis if he wants more stability and control at the Etihad Stadium.

Fergie, who will also be without Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick, added: “It’s easy to get emotional about this kind of game, but I don’t think we’ll be changing our policy. Winning doesn’t do you any harm.

“We experienced that in 1993 when we won the league for the first time and the door opened for us. It was the start for us really.

“If you look at the Premier League, you are looking at the top six fighting for the top four.

“To win the league in England is very difficult. You have to get points at the end of the day. It doesn’t matter how you get them, but 84 points will win the league next year.

“We had less last year but this year there is increasing competition with Liverpool expected to be better next season, and the top four we have spoken about.

“Tottenham haven’t done any buying this summer, which is surprising, but you expect it to be a really tough league.”

Javier Hernandez Chicharito

Source

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/posts/view/204768/Javier-Hernandez-injury-shock-for-Manchester-United

Sir Alex Ferguson defends Arsène Wenger against Arsenal critics

• 'Who could replace Wenger?' Ferguson asks Gunners fans
• Manchester United likely to stick with youthful XI

Arsène Wenger has come in for criticism this season. Photograph: Giuseppe Cacace/AFP/Getty Images

The Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has warned Arsenal's unhappy fans to be careful what they wish for.

Although the Gunners eased some of the immediate pressure on Arsène Wenger by reaching the Champions League group stage this week, the north London club head to Old Trafford on Sunday having collected just one point from their opening two Premier League games.

That meagre return, the loss of Cesc Fábregas and Samir Nasri, Wenger's transfer policy which has left many supporters distinctly underwhelmed and six seasons without a trophy have led many to start thinking the previously unthinkable and wonder whether a change at the top is required.

But Ferguson wonders exactly who those hard-to-please fans have in mind as a potential replacement.
"I would like to know who is going to replace him," said the United manager. "The work he has done in the 15 years he has been at the club is the best in Arsenal's history. Yes, he has not won a trophy for six years but what does that mean? The quality of his side has not been reduced."

Rather, as Ferguson points out, the standard of opposition has improved, first through the vast riches lavished on Chelsea by Roman Abramovich, and now the even deeper pockets of Sheikh Mansour at Manchester City.

Javier Hernandez Chicharito

"Chelsea's involvement has created a lot of the problem in terms of trophies to win because they and ourselves have been dominating the Premier League," said Ferguson. "Now Manchester City have come on the scene. When Arsenal and ourselves were going head-to-head, it went on for about eight years. The competition is far greater now."

Not that Ferguson expects supporters of any club, including his own, to adopt a reasoned view of proceedings. As he is fond of saying, the world is different now compared to the one that existed before Wenger replaced Bruce Rioch at Highbury in the autumn of 1996.

"It is a bit unfair of course. But who understands fairness and unfairness today?" he said. "It is quite a cynical world. Supporters are far less easy to please than they were 20 years ago. It is disappointing.

"But [Arsenal] answered everybody back on Wednesday. They got a great result and the game on Sunday will be another stepping stone for them."

Ferguson certainly will not be taking Arsenal lightly, even though his own youthful side have started the season with a bang, firing three second-half goals past Tottenham on Monday after an opening weekend win at West Brom.

Javier Hernandez Chicharito

The question United's manager is faced with is whether to stick with the likes of Tom Cleverley now Darren Fletcher is available to beef up his midfield, or if he should leave out either Jonny Evans or Phil Jones in favour of Rio Ferdinand if the England veteran recovers from a hamstring strain.

Even more eyecatching is the battle between Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez for the right to partner Wayne Rooney in attack. It seems Ferguson is leaning towards his kids.

"I have a tremendous problem when it comes to picking a side but it is the kind of problem I want," he said. "They [the younger players] have only played a couple of games. We are very enthusiastic about their potential but the name of the game is what they achieve.

"Maybe some of their form will taper off. That is when the squad comes into play. At the moment they are doing very well. So I have to let it carry on."

Javier Hernadez Chicharito

Source

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/aug/26/sir-alex-ferguson-arsene-wenger?INTCMP=SRCH

Manchester United saved millions on Javier Hernández, says Ferguson

• Scouts did well to identify him before the World Cup
• He would have cost three times more, says United manager

Manchester United saved millions by signing Mexican striker Javier Hernández before he shone at the World Cup, manager Alex Ferguson said yesterday.

Hernandez, who joined his new team-mates in Houston yesterday, could make his United debut in tomorrow's game against the MLS All Stars.

Ferguson, who will wait for news on the 22-year-old's fitness before deciding whether to play him, paid tribute to the club's scouts who plucked the forward from Mexican club Chivas de Guadalajara.

"I think our scouting people deserve 10 out of 10 for identifying him before the World Cup and I think if we had been trying to negotiate after the World Cup it would have been very difficult," said Ferguson.

"I think a lot of teams would have been after him and it would probably have cost us two or three times more," he added.

United did not disclose the transfer fee they paid to Chivas but media reports have placed the deal as worth around £7m, including United playing a friendly in Mexico on Friday.

Ferguson was full of praise for the Mexican club for helping keep the deal quiet.

"Our relationship we have built with Chivas has been excellent, they really were very accommodating in everything. The amazing thing was that no-one in the club said a word.

"At Manchester United we find that almost impossible, news always leaks out at our club but Chivas kept it quiet which was a marvellous asset for us and full marks for their professionalism."

Javier Hernandez Chicharito

Hernández will play half that game for Chivas and half for his new club but his debut may come earlier in front of thousands of Mexican fans in Houston.

"He joined us today and so we have to ascertain what he has been doing in the last few weeks physically, we would like to use him in part of the game on Wednesday – partly because I know there is a big Mexican population in Houston and it would be a very exciting attraction for them," said Ferguson.


"Secondly we want to try to integrate him into the team as quickly as possible so those are the reasons we would like to play him but we want to just have a chat with him and see what he has been doing physically – I don't think it would be wise to play him without having any real preparation for this game," he added.

Manchester United scouts deserve 10 out of 10 for identifying Javier Hernández before the World Cup, says the manager. Photograph: John Sibley/Action Images

 

 

 

Manchester United scouts deserve 10 out of 10 for identifying Javier Hernández before the World Cup, says the manager. Photograph: John Sibley/Action Images

Source

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/manchester-united

Javier Hernández's former club claim he has a neurological condition

• Chivas de Guadalajara say Mexico striker has a problem
• Sir Alex Ferguson plays the condition down as concussion

Sir Alex Ferguson has said he has no lingering concerns about Javier Hernández's health despite claims from the Mexican's former club that the striker is suffering from a pre-existing condition that had never been revealed to his current employers.

Hernández was taken to hospital on Tuesday evening after complaining of dizziness and the concerns about the Manchester United striker were exacerbated when Rafael Ortega, the doctor at Chivas de Guadalajara, told reporters in Mexico that the player had suffered from neurological issues since he was a teenager.

Ortega said: "I remember in his time as a youth player at Chivas he suffered from acute migraines. Originally it manifested itself as a headache but afterwards the symptoms disappeared. We had some studies done on him but that was six years ago and he has done well since."

Hernández spent the night in hospital and was unable to fly with the rest of the squad when they made the journey from New York to Washington on Thursday. Ferguson, informed of Ortega's comments, said he was unaware of a pre-existing condition, describing it as a "straightforward concussion", but he has ruled out the 23-year-old for two weeks, meaning he will not be involved in the Community Shield against Manchester City on Sunday week.

"Concussion is something you don't want to happen but usually time heals that and we'll give Chicharito plenty of time," Ferguson said. "We won't be rushing him back. I'll bring him back only when the doctor tells me I can bring him back."

Ferguson said a ball had hit Hernández "on the top of the head" during a training session at the New Jersey Red Bull Arena. The striker lasted the full session, even staying behind for extra shooting practice, before falling ill at the team hotel.

"When he was taking his meal he felt sick and he was sick," Ferguson said. "He had headaches, so we removed him to the hospital where he stayed in overnight."

Hernández had an MRI scan that gave him the all-clear but United's medical staff may choose to request more information from Chivas about the player's medical past.

Ortega added: "I don't know if this will affect him in the future but I'm sure United will send him to a specialist and the situation will be resolved."

Hernández may not attend the FedEx Field in Washington on Saturday when United take on Barcelona in a rematch of last season's Champions League final, albeit one missing Lionel Messi, rested after playing for Argentina in the Copa América.

Ferguson has told his players they cannot allow themselves to "be alarmed or to worry about" the side that beat them so comprehensively at Wembley in May, but he acknowledged that Pep Guardiola's men had legitimate claims to be recognised as superior to any other team on the planet.

Javier Hernández has spent time in hospital in the United States but Sir Alex Ferguson claims the striker was merely concussed. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA

"Their performances and feats over the last two or three years have elevated them to a position, in everyone's mind, where they're the best team currently in the world," Ferguson said.
"I'm quite happy to be in second place at this moment and our challenge is to get to that level. It's not just about the football team – it's the philosophy, what they believe in, how they coach, how they produce young players."

United have scored 18 times in their four games of this tour but Ferguson was not entirely satisfied. "We've been very good in front of goal, but we have been loose in midfield and at the back and teams have been creating chances against us."

The United manager reported that Antonio Valencia had returned to training in Manchester and should be fit for the start of the season despite damaging his ankle while on international duty with Ecuador.

Ferguson also noted Manchester City's £38m signing of Sergio Aguero as confirmation that Roberto Mancini's team would challenge for the Premier League. "Five teams will contest the league, and any one can win it. The best thing we can do is deal with ourselves. The challenge, the expectation and the pressure is on us – good."

Source

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jul/28/javier-hernandez-head-concussion

Man United 8 : 2 Arsenal

Man United   8

Welbeck (22), Young (28, 90), Rooney (41, 64, 82), Nani (67), Park (70)

Arsenal   2

Walcott (45), Van Persie (74)

Whatever City can do, United can do better.
While the blue half of Manchester looked set to dominate the footballing agenda with a stunning 5-1 win at Spurs, United went goal crazy against a depleted Arsenal side to steal the headlines and hammer home a warning to Roberto Mancini's team and the rest of the Barclays Premier League.

In a game that had everything - a missed penalty, a converted spot-kick, a hat-trick for Wayne Rooney, a red card and 10 goals, United simply romped home 8-2.

Danny Welbeck, Ashley Young (2), Nani and sub Ji-sung Park also hit the net with David De Gea superbly saving a penalty when the lead was a slender one. Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie replied for the crestfallen Gunners, who had Carl Jenkinson sent off in the second half.

United made their intentions clear from the start with Welbeck charging down Wojciech Szczesny and looking a real threat. Tom Cleverley and Welbeck shot wide and some of the Reds' passing was mesmeric.

Javier Hernadez And Louis Saha celebrate the goal went ManUtd  8  vs  2  Arsenal

So it was no surprise when the hesitant visiting defence failed to deal with Anderson's clever lofted pass and Welbeck steered a looping header over Szczesny for the opener. Chris Smalling dragged wide after setting up the chance for himself beautifully but, against the run of play, Arsenal were awarded a penalty when Jonny Evans pulled at Walcott's shoulder. De Gea dived to his right to push van Persie's spot-kick around the post and earn the congratulations of his team-mates. And, from United's next attack, Young collected a header out by Armand Traore and bent an inch-perfect curler past Szczesny's despairing fingertips for 2-0.

De Gea had to be alert to make a double save from Andriy Arshavin and van Persie but the champions carried the greater threat with Welbeck diving to head Rooney's cross off target. A hamstring injury cruelly ruined the young striker's afternoon, and Arshavin, who was very fortunate to still be on the pitch after a foul on Young when already booked, flashed a warning shot over the bar at the other end.

Jenkinson was also lucky to avoid a red card when hauling Young down as he sprinted through on goal but Rooney ensured his own justice was meted out by rolling the free-kick for Young to trap and then sweeping past Szczesny with the power on the shot too much for the Polish keeper.

Rooney showed the confidence flowing through the team when testing Szczesny from his own half but there was real complacency seconds before the interval to allow Tomas Rosicky to feed Walcott, whose drive from an angle whistled through De Gea's legs for 3-1.

It was a message that the job was still far from done, and one that was taken on board as Sir Alex's side turned up the heat again in the second half. Szczesny saved well from Young and Nani chipped wastefully off  target as the hosts pressed but the Gunners responded with De Gea superbly stopping a van Persie volley and Arshavin firing wide when Smalling was caught up the pitch.

Tom Cleverley shot weakly at Szczesny after a brilliant one-two with Young and Nani failed to convert a cross from the former Aston Villa winger but the dam broke again when Rooney repeated his free-kick feat in the first half by whipping home for 4-1 and becoming United's all-time record scorer in the Premier League.
Smelling blood, Smalling tore forward and ignored Phil Jones on the overlap to instead feed Rooney, who prodded through for Nani to net with the most outrageous of cheeky finishes. Nani then made way, along with Anderson, for Ryan Giggs and Park but the relentless attacking continued.

Rooney wedged a golf-like shot of sheer class against an upright before Park exchanged passes with Young to bury a low finish into the corner of the net. Van Persie restored a semblance of pride with emphatic finish after being played onside by Jones but United simply stepped up a gear again.

Jenkinson received a second yellow card for bundling Javier Hernandez over when he was through on goal and there were more illegal tactics used to halt the red tidal wave when Walcott tripped Patrice Evra inside the box. Rooney stepped up to seal his hat-trick with a confident spot-kick and it got even worse for the North Londoners when Young curled in to add his second from a Giggs pass.

Park shot over in stoppage time but enough damage had been inflicted to the Gunners' battered pride as the home fans rejoiced on a day to remember at Old Trafford.

 

Javier Hernandez may have notched

Javier Hernandez may have notched a double to help vanquish Wigan at the DW Stadium, but the young Mexican striker knows that’s no guarantee he’ll start on Tuesday night when the Reds meet Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Hernandez netted either side of half-time in United’s 4-0 win over Wigan before leaving the pitch on 77 minutes. But does Sir Alex’s decision to withdraw the no.14  hint at a possible starting berth on Tuesday night?

“I’m enjoying myself at the moment and I work hard,” Hernandez told MUTV. “But [whether I play against Chelsea] is a decision the manager has to make. If he gives me one minute or 90 minutes I want to do my best.

“Chelsea’s a really big game and we want to win. We’ll go there with a lot of confidence.”
Against Wigan, Hernadez opened the scoring on 17 minutes with a deft finish at the near post. He then doubled the scores with 16 minutes of the game remaining when he raced clear of the Wigan back four and kept his cool when faced with the onrushing Latics goalkeeper.

His strikes helped calm the nerves of United’s sizable travelling support after the home team had carved out the better chances and, for long periods, looked the better side.

“In both halves, Wigan put us under pressure,” Hernandez said. “We know they play very well. They like to play with the ball on the ground and we knew they’d be very motivated because they were playing Manchester United.

“[For my first goal], it was a good ball by Nani – I ran towards the first post and touched it over the goalkeeper.

“The second one, it was a wonderful pass from Wayne Rooney. When I received the ball I only wanted to score. That was the first thing that went through my mind.

“I’m very happy today but I’m happiest for the team. We’re on top of the league and we’re still in the Champions League and FA Cup. We want to win all three competitions.”

Javier Hernandez Chicharito

Javier Hernandez Chicharito

Javier Hernandez Chicharito

Javier Hernadez Chicharito