A Progress Report on Real Madrid's Manchester United Loanee Javier Hernandez

Javier Hernandez had a good scoring run when he arrived in Real Madrid six months ago but the fairy tale seems to be over.

It was pretty obvious that Chicharito would come off the bench when Karim Benzema needed a break.

Ultimately, the Mexican had a good run with Manchester United. From 2010 to 2014 Hernandez started 84 games and was subbed on in 70. He scored 59 times, 18 of them when he came in as a sub.

In September 2014 he was released to Los Blancos. Chicharito proved that he was ready to play next to some of the most talented footballers in the world.

Hernandez scored three goals in his first month in Spain (against Deportivo La Coruna twice and Levante), despite appearing in the starting XI only once. However, he couldn't keep up the pace and was relegated to the bench.

In 17 appearances (five starts) Chicharito has played 559 minutes of 3,060 possible (23 La Liga weeks, seven Champions League games and four Copa del Rey matches).

His latest appearance happened this month, when he came in for Benzema in the 81st minute. As if the little playing time he is receiving wasn’t enough, Jese Rodriguez has become the go-to man for Carlo Ancelotti when the French footballer has needed rest.

Hernandez's return to England seems imminent.

According to Spanish journalist Melchor Ruiz, from Cadena COPE, Los Blancos will not buy the Mexican (h/t The Express) and continue to trust Jese.

Anthony Chapman from The Express assures Chicharito will take Radamel Falcao's spot with United, as soon as the Colombian's loan ends.

This could mean more time on the bench for the Mexican.

Falcao has started 15 games since he joined the Red Devils last September. He has stayed on the bench five times. Nothing like when he wore the Monaco kit.

Progress?

Not much.

Hernandez's time with Real Madrid has been far from productive. He would have probably played the same amount of time if he had stayed in England.

Chicharito had a fantastic opportunity to shine from November to January, as Ancelotti's side featured in three tournaments: La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League.

Unfortunately, Hernandez couldn't take advantage of the few minutes he received and faded out quickly.

Despite it all, Ancelotti said a month ago that Chicharito was needed, per ESPN FC. Oddly, the coach also acknowledged that he wasn't sure how much playing time he would be able to give to the Mexican.

What's next?

With two months to go in La Liga, it seems unlikely that Hernandez can make a real impact on the pitch.

The last couple of years he has spent with heavyweights haven't been very worthy for him, perhaps joining a team that is not so high profile could help.

Mexico are set to appear in the Copa America and Gold Cup this summer. Chicharito has a good chance to grab a spot to play in one of those tournaments, probably the latter, but Miguel Herrera has stated that everyone needs to prove they belong, per MedioTiempo.com (in Spanish).

Is Chicharito ready to tackle the challenge?

Taking into consideration history—he is the third-best Mexico scorer, plus he netted in the 2014 World Cup despite barely appearing with Manchester United—Hernandez will make a difference with El Tri.

But this doesn't mean he shouldn't find another club, actually he needs to do it soon. He is not getting any younger, which means he needs to find a place where he can develop a long successful career.

All stats appear courtesy of ESPN FC and Squawka, unless otherwise noted.