Manchester United Transfer News: David De Gea Questions Chicharito Sale, More

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has disagreed with manager Louis van Gaal's decision to sell Javier Hernandez in the summer, giving an impassioned defence of the striker who was shown the door at Old Trafford. 

The Spain stopper told ESPN Deportes show Fuera De Juego (h/t Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC) he questions the club in their decision to transfer Chicharito to Bayer Leverkusen, noting how the attacker has shone during his opening gambit in the Bundesliga:

"

These are decisions for the coach. But in my team he [Chicharito] would always play. He was an undisputed starter before and player of the year at United. He can get you 20, 30 goals a season. I would like a lot to play with him again, hopefully it can happen.

He is a very good friend, we last spoke two or three days ago. We are in touch a lot. He does well in whatever team he is at.

He has scored eight or nine goals in very few games. The truth is he is doing well at Leverkusen and everyone knows Chicharito is a goal scorer.

"

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De Gea went on to describe the depth of his connection with the Mexican, explaining he was one of his best friends at United during their time together. 

The stopper said he "learned" much from the attacker when he first arrived in the north-west, citing Hernandez's work ethic in training influenced the Spaniard's own approach and preparations, per Fuera De Juego.

The goalkeeper added Chicharito found it difficult being overlooked at United: "They were difficult moments, but everyone trusts in him, knows the level he has. He always does something, always scores goals when he gets playing time. He is showing now he is among best goal scorers in the world."

The 27-year-old has hit a hot streak of form since leaving the Red Devils, just at the time Van Gaal needs additional threat in his goal-shy attack.

He has scored eight goals in 13 Bundesliga and Champions League appearances this term, according to WhoScored.com.

The striker's performances have ignited Chelsea's interest, with Tom Hopkinson of the Sunday People (h/t the Mirror) reporting the Blues want to boost their forward line with the Mexican, as Diego Costa struggles to get the goals the side need to pull away from the bottom of the Premier League. 

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According to Tom Marshall of ESPN.co.uk, despite reports of the west Londoners' interest, they have not made direct enquiries. Marshall quoted an "ESPN Mexico source," who said, "There hasn't been any communication with any club about Chicharito that hasn't been Bayer 04."

Marshall also highlighted how the player has settled well into his new surroundings after scoring once again in German's top league:

De Gea's comments will not go down well with LvG, and the timing of the remarks are suspect to say the least. 

United have looked lame in attack, often saved by heroic performances from DDG and the defence. Wayne Rooney has looked a shadow of himself as he tends to drop too deep to be a goalscoring threat. 

Chicharito was not as reliable as De Gea recalls, and he often failed when starting games for former coaches Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes. 

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The player made a huge reputation for himself as an impact substitute and regular scorer for his country, but he flattered to deceive when taking a place in the starting XI.

However, United are desperate to recruit additions for the centre-forward role and both winger positions, with the team currently lacking pace and threat across the attack. 

De Gea's talk of a regular goalscorer like Hernandez could signal frustration from the world-class stopper, as he is called into action on too many occasions to get his team out of jail in low-scoring affairs. 

Van Gaal has a chance in January to set the record straight, and if he can find the suitable attacking talent to add to his squad, United could go far in competitions at home and abroad.