Mata wants United striker to stay

Juan Mata wants Javier Hernandez to stay at Old Trafford next season, suggesting the Mexican is an excellent professional and the kind of striker capable to help any team.

After being frozen out by David Moyes during the 2013-14 campaign, Hernandez joined Real Madrid on loan last summer but failed to impress at the Bernabeu, where he scored nine goals in 33 appearances in all competitions.

After Real chose not to sign him permanently, Hernandez, who had his best moment when he scored the winner to knock local rivals Atletico Madrid out of the Champions League, accused the Spanish giants of making him feel “unimportant”.

While the Mexican has now returned to United, it is unlikely he will be at the club beyond this summer, with Tottenham and a number of European clubs, including Inter Milan, linked with a move for the 27-year-old.

However, speaking to journalists in Mexico, Mata insisted he hoped his teammate would be at Old Trafford next season.

“Chicharito still belongs to Manchester United and selfishly I’d like him to be with us,” he said.

“He has scored goals in every team he has played in and is a very smart striker.

“Chicharito is a great friend.

“When I arrived to Manchester he behaved great with me. He is a great person and a great professional. I’ve been lucky enough to share a dressing room with Chicharito, whom I admire.”