EPL Manchester United: Top 10 Moments in Javier Hernandez' First Season

When Manchester United brought in Mexican sensation Javier Hernandez early last summer, many questioned the method behind Sir Alex Ferguson's madness.

But a year later, those critics should be silenced as Chicharito put in one heck of a season in his debut campaign at Old Trafford.

With the bar set respectably high for the young Mexican, who is fresh off of a masterful display in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Hernandez likely will have added pressure to perform.

Dimitar Berbatov is likely out, so the spotlight in the attacking third will be shared mostly with Wayne Rooney, decent competition given his recent history.

But before the predictions for Hernandez's second season with United, here are his top 10 moments from his debut year with the Red Devils.

Right Place, Right Time

Hernandez's goal against West Brom epitomizes his way of playing the position.

After United won a free kick, Nani curved a shot on goal, but his effort was parried away right to Hernandez, who naturally put the rebound into the net.

Watch him immediately react after the ball leaves Nani's foot (skip to :56 on the video) while no West Brom defenders mark him, leaving a wide open chance for a free goal.

Champions League Delight

In Manchester United's third Champions League fixture, they played Valencia to a draw until the 85th minute.

Hernandez entered as a substitute in the 76th minute and not more than 10 minutes later, he gathered a pass from Federico Macheda before quickly slotting a shot in the side netting with his left foot.

Five of Hernandez's 13 goals were scored after coming on as a replacement.

Debut Goal

Hernandez left his mark in a 3-1 win over Chelsea in the FA Community Shield before the season began, but in an atypical way.

Luis Antonio Valencia's low cross found Hernandez, but his half-volley effort from behind his body put the ball off his face and fortunately into the back of the net for his debut goal against the defending Premier League champions.

The unusual beginning to his career with Manchester United would bloom into what would become a season-long ride of impeccable positioning and timing, leading to a flurry of goals from the young Mexican.

Showing Versatility

Hernandez scored goals with both his feet and his head, showing almost effortless versatility in the attacking third.

He can play on the ball and create opportunities, and he makes well-spotted runs through the defense. His awareness in the box earns him goals to his name, like this clever flick off the back of his head against Stoke City.

Carling Cup Match Clincher

Although the Carling Cup means little to United's grandiose expectations, winning football games is definitely a part of the club's philosophy.

Hernandez came on as a substitute in the 80th minute against Wolves, netting the game-winner in the 90th.

A clever one-two with Darron Gibson leaves Chicharito open with the defenders split. His shot on goal takes a deflection off the keeper Wayne Hennessey, but it still falls into the back of the net.

Another Late Goal to for Three Points

Throughout the season, Hernandez put himself in position to win games late with clutch goals in the final minutes of several matches.

Hernandez went the full 90 minutes against Everton, and the two clubs played to a stalemate until the 84th minute. A crossing lob from Luis Antonio Valencia eventually found the Mexican high at the far post, when all that was needed was the slightest of controlled touches.

Everton's marvelous defensive effort was all for naught.

Double Against Marseille

Hernandez made evident his finishing skills with a number of quality goals in his first year.

In the Champions League, however, where the spotlight is greatest, Chicharito shows little disruption in composure with a double against Marseille in March.

Although his first score was literally a tap-in, his second effort shows good awareness and positioning before a calm and collected finish, qualities that were very much representative in his success for the club.

Wigan Double

In a 4-0 stomping of Wigan at the DW Stadium, Hernandez shows how a good striker manufactures goals.

Both of his scores come from an early and calculated run across the defense, followed by an even better calculated finish.

The first is a good run behind the defense, but the precise finish completed the task.

His second shows solid body control and good touch before turning on his defender for a return through ball and a clinical finish to beat the keeper.

Opening Against Chelsea

In the match that all but clinched the Premier League for United, Hernandez opened the match against Chelsea with one of his cool, side-footed finishes after just 36 seconds of play.

Half of the credit must go to Park Ji-Sung, whose wonderfully delivered through-ball split the Chelsea defenders to give Hernandez plenty of space to wiggle a shot around Petr Cech.

First XI in the Champions League Final

Hernandez added a starting XI selection to his highlights from his debut campaign with United.

Sir Alex Ferguson chose the Mexican over Golden Boot winner Dimitar Berbatov (who shared the award with Carlos Tevez).

For a young striker who almost quit the sport before joining one of the world's most well known clubs, out-placing a seasoned veteran and goal scorer in Berbatov signified that his career is heading in the right direction.