Javier Hernandez to Bayer Leverkusen: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has joined Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, bringing to a close a five-year spell for the Mexican at Old Trafford.

United's official site confirmed the deal:

ESPN FC's Richard Jolly suggests the fee is reportedly £8.75 million. That's not a bad return for a player United boss Louis van Gaal clearly has no faith in.

The Red Devils gaffer left the Mexican poacher on the bench during United's recent 2-1 loss to Swansea City. Instead, he opted to introduce towering midfielder Marouane Fellaini ahead of the one-time goal-getter.

Hernandez spent the 2014-15 season out on loan at Real Madrid, scoring five times and assisting three in his last 11 appearances for Los Blancos, per WhoScored.com. 

Despite his strong end to the term, Real did not take up their option to sign the then-26-year-old forward permanently, and he returned to Old Trafford, per Rob Dawson in the Manchester Evening News.

Hernandez was brought to the Premier League by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2010 from Mexican side Chivas and quickly became a firm fan favourite, helping United capture the title in his first season.

His fine finishing and ability to terrorise opposition defenders with pace made him a valuable asset under Ferguson, and his scoring rate was impressive as he often made an impact from the bench.

However, he became a peripheral figure under David Moyes' management and was moved on to Real by Van Gaal as the Dutchman looked to build a new team.

Hernandez still has the ability to cut it at the top level, though, and will be a fine asset at Leverkusen, as he effectively guarantees goals, as noted by the Daily Mail's Adam Crafton:

The Bundesliga will be an interesting change of pace for Hernandez. Leverkusen are a team that have been hugely impressive under the tutelage of Roger Schmidt, and it’ll be intriguing to see just how he deploys the Mexico international moving forward. Ousting Steffan Kiesling from the starting lineup will be a difficult task, though.

Many United fans will be sad to see Chicharito go, especially given United's troubles in front of goal early in the season.