Javier Hernandez: Where Does Chicharito Fit into David Moyes' Plans?

The return of top-tier football in England on Sunday saw Manchester United beat Wigan Athletic 2-0 to claim the Community Shield.

David Moyes' first trophy is in the bag. Formation, first XI and player tendencies were firmly analysed under the microscope, and fans are feeling relatively satisfied with the outcome.

But the victory on Wembley's hallowed turf only served to open a can of worms, as notable absentees meant we're still no closer to seeing how Moyes wants his United side to operate.

Sir Alex Ferguson played a 4-4-2 formation with two deep-lying forwards for the large majority of last season, occasionally switching to a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-4-2 diamond on demand. It was a system that brought the best out of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie as a partnership, but it left little room for Javier Hernandez.

Player	League Starts	Goals
Robin van Persie	35	26
Wayne Rooney	22	12
Danny Welbeck	13	1
Javier Hernandez	9	10

Welbeck would often play in an unorthodox wider role or off the front line, utilising his immense understanding and borderline-telepathic partnership with Rooney to great effect.

"Chicharito" may have made only nine starts, but he averaged a goal every 90 minutes—an impressive statistic whichever way you look at it.

But despite clearly displaying his talents each and every time he got a chance, Sir Alex opted for the tried and trusted Rooney/RvP combination, and it's a decision which won the Premier League title.

With Moyes in charge and Rooney out of the side, the question surfaces: Does Hernandez have a chance at regular first-team football, or will he be marginalised once more?

The fans love him, and he represents a throwback to how No. 9s used to be: lethal in and around the box with an ability to score with any part of his body and searing pace in behind.

His lack of involvement in United's preseason campaign—partly due to the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, partly due to injury—has further clouded the issue, and it's tough to tell where he stands.

Moyes rolled out a 4-3-3-esque formation against Wigan at the weekend with Welbeck drifting off the left flank, van Persie in the centre and Wilfried Zaha on the right.

Chicharito won't be displacing RvP anytime soon, and he can only play in one position: central striker.

It remains to be seen if the 4-3-3 is Moyes' chosen poison, but if it is, Hernandez's options look limited once more. In a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-4-1-1, fans would still prefer to see Shinji Kagawa in behind van Persie.

Another season on the bench could see the Mexican international itching to leave, and he's already faced fitness issues with the national side due to a lack of football at the club level.

How big a role do you think Chicha will play?

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