Rio Ferdinand has paid tribute to the ongoing development of bargain buy Javier Hernandez.
United defender also quick to praise the efforts of Park
Rio Ferdinand has paid tribute to the ongoing development of bargain buy Javier Hernandez.
The 22-year-old striker has exceeded all expectations this season, having made the transition to life in English football with consummate ease.
He has quickly become an integral part of the Old Trafford set-up, with his willingness to graft and keen eye for goal marking him out as useful asset to any side.
United are delighted that it is they who are benefiting from his considerable talents, with Ferdinand the latest to pile praise on the Mexican starlet.
"Javier is doing things at 22 that strikers are only just learning about when they are seasoned professionals of 27 or 28," said the centre-half.
Textbook stuff
"He has just come to the club and is doing textbook stuff like running across the front post all the time to score goals.
"It is great to see. That is why he is nicking so many goals. He is also following up and is on the back post as well."
Hernandez grabbed his 18th goal of the season on Tuesday as he helped United past Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League.
That is some return for a debut season, especially when you consider how difficult the likes of Fernando Torres and Edin Dezko, who cost considerably more than the £7million United paid for Hernandez, have found the art of goalscoring since joining Chelsea and Manchester City respectively during the January transfer window.
"He is definitely a bargain," added Ferdinand.
"But it doesn't matter how much he cost, it is all about doing the job when you come in. He is doing a job fantastically well."
Unsung hero
Ferdinand has also hailed the work ethic of Park Ji-sung, who was at his energetic best again in midweek as he notched a crucial goal against Chelsea.
The South Korea international is often overlooked when it comes to key personnel at Old Trafford, but his value is not lost on those who play alongside him.
"The lads in the changing room sometimes laugh at the amount of work that Ji gets through because it is just ridiculous," said Ferdinand.
"We just want to know what he eats pre-match and at home.
"He must have a different diet to all of us because the way he runs and the energy he has got is phenomenal.
"It is great to have him as a part of your team. He is definitely an unsung hero."
