Hernandez fires on debut

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29 July 2010-PA Sport

Exciting ... Big things are expected of Hernandez (Getty)

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Javier Hernandez's pace could be a crucial weapon after the Mexico striker scored in his opening game for the club.

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Hernandez fires on debut

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Hernandez, who linked up with the squad for the first time this week after arriving from Chivas Guadalajara, made an instant impact in the 5-2 victory against the MLS All-Stars.

The 22-year-old stepped off the bench in the second half at the Reliant Stadium and was given a rousing reception.

With Federico Macheda getting a brace - the first after 24 seconds - and substitutes Darron Gibson and Tom Cleverley also on target, it was just the performance Ferguson was looking for.

"The one thing defenders worry about is players with speed, who get into the space behind them," he said of Hernandez.

"When you see his goal it is an indication of that speed. The timing of his run, coming towards the ball spinning, he is going to be a threat to defenders, no question."

Macheda made the breakthrough after taking advantage of an under-hit pass by All-Stars defender Kevin Alston.

"We always think about Macheda that going through on the goalkeeper he is probably the best we have," Ferguson said.

"He is outstanding in those positions. You always feel very confident. When he went through I expected him to score. It was a well-taken goal."

Gibson's goal came from a free-kick after a challenge on Hernandez and he found the net with a superb effort over the wall and into the corner.

Cleverley's strike was equally impressive - a cheeky flick over Wilman Conde and a cool finish that had Ferguson applauding.

"The confidence to do what he did, then the composure, it was an outstanding goal," said the United boss.

United showed no ill-effects following the surprise defeat by Kansas City Wizards.

"The thing I was looking for was our possession of the ball. We were much better at that," Ferguson added.

"Through that we had a good tempo to our game, good rhythm to our play. It was a really good performance by us. We got a good start to the match and the team were confident for this challenge."

The only downside was an ankle injury sustained by Gabriel Obertan, which is expected to rule the French winger out for two weeks.