"The difference in quality was immediate" was the analysis of Javier Hernandez's substitute appearance in last night's Manchester United 3-2 Carling Cup win over Wolves. Steve Voss, 69, the Secretary of the Manchester United Supporters Club, Bridgwater and South West Branch, continued " He is already a fan favourite at Old Trafford and he is capable of stepping up in Wayne Rooney's absence."
It is difficult to argue with the sentiment as Hernandez, nicknamed Chicharito, or 'Little Pea' in English, was clearly Sir Alex Ferguson's get out of jail free card last night. His introduction with little more than ten minutes to go caused the Wolves defence more problems than Federico Macheda did all night. His winning goal, following a delightful through ball from Darron Gibson was finished with the confidence and ability of someone capable of being a new Stretford End hero. The shimmy of his hips which left opposition goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey beaten on the floor and subsequent finish was a joy to behold and raised smiles and cheers from a previously lukewarm Old Trafford crowd.
Voss agreed that the performance was not too impressive, declaring the game as "Two bad sides being very equal in the first half but we just shaded it in the second thanks to Chicharito and I think it was the right result." The avid supporter even went as far as to say "Some of the youngsters who played last night are not up to it." When singling players out he described Federico Macheda as "Not performing as good in games as he does in the warm up" but recognised his tough job "Playing up top on his own."
I have to say I agree with Voss in that Macheda has failed to progress as a player since his sensational start to his career with goals against Aston Villa and Sunderland. He seems to be struggling with a lack of confidence and as a result he is becoming more and more frustrated as highlighted by his inability to trap a ball which went out for a goal kick so he blasted the ball away in a show of petulance.
Voss however did have praise for controversial £7 million pound man Bebe who scored on his first start for the club, "I was impressed with him, he was stuck out on the wing but he stuck to his job and looks big, strong and quick."
I have to admit, that the fee paid for him raised my eyebrows, as United could have bought him for several million less just a few months prior, but the former homeless Portuguese winger showed several reasons for fans to be optimistic about his future at the club. He was however at fault for Wolves' second goal, sloppily giving the ball away to the ever impressive Matthew Jarvis on the Wolves left who crossed for former Luton Town man Kevin Foley to score the equaliser.
Sir Alex Ferguson was quoted after the game as saying the match proved Manchester United have a "Bright future" something Voss who has travelled with the branch to every home game this season, agrees with. "I believe we do have a bright future, these youngsters are still learning and will make mistakes but they are always improving under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson."
With 'Little Pea' leading the way, the current crop of expensively assembled Manchester United youngsters may just prove both manager and fans right.
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