Manchester United Ready To Hold Up Record 19th Title

Javier Hernandez's late header kept Premier League leaders Manchester United on course for a record-breaking 19th title following a 1-0 win over a stubborn Everton.

The Mexican striker, nicknamed the 'Little Pea', popped up at the far post when the Red Devils were struggling to find a breakthrough and his close-range finish earned a 16th win from 17 league games at Old Trafford this season.

United required time to hit their stride and it took half-an-hour for Tim Howard to be tested, with the former Red Devils keeper pushing away Hernandez's first-time shot after neat play by Antonio Valencia and Wayne Rooney.

Everton, who had offered little going forward, had a penalty shout dismissed before Hernandez inadvertently came to the visitors' rescue by deflecting away Nani's shot with Howard beaten.

The leaders struggled to create chances after half-time and Everton came close to a surprise opener when Jack Rodwell's deflected shot was tipped past the post by Edwin van der Sar.

As the clock continued ticking down, and with Everton holding firm in defence, a slice of luck appeared likely to be United's best source of a goal and they almost got it when Fabio's cross deflected off Sylvain Distin and back off the post.

With 10 minutes to go, Howard again denied his old club with a stunning reaction save from Hernandez's header after Valencia's shot had been blocked.

But there was nothing Howard could do six minutes from time when Valencia's deflected cross looped to the far post and Hernandez squeezed home his header from a narrow angle.

The victory allowed United to open up a nine-point gap with four games to play ahead of back-to-back meetings with title rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.

Chicharito granted work permit

Manchester United is pleased to announce that Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez has been granted a work permit and will join the club on 1 July 2010.
  The Reds agreed a fee with Chivas de Guadalajara for the Mexico striker last month, but were required to apply for the permit because he has played in less than 75 per cent of his country's fixtures over the last two years.

Chicharito, who has already passed a medical and agreed personal terms, will join United's squad on the Philadelphia leg of July's pre-season trip to the USA and Canada.

Whether the 22-year-old makes his debut in that game will depend on how far Mexico progress in the World Cup. But he'll definitely be involved in the friendly United will play to open the new 45,000-capacity Chivas Stadium in Guadalajara at the end of July.

Chicharito was a second-half substitute in his country's 3-1 defeat by England on Monday, before scoring in a 2-1 reversal against the Netherlands on Wednesday.

Mexico complete their World Cup preparations with friendlies against Gambia and Italy in the next week, then kick off the tournament against hosts South Africa on 11 June.

Manchester United Plan To Cite Javi Hernandez's 'Exceptional Ability' To Seal Work Permit For Striker

United to highlight Javier Hernandez talent
Manchester United will cite Mexican forward Javier Hernandez as an 'exceptional talent' when they plead their case to the Football Association in an effort to secure a work permit for the 21 year-old this week. Although United have agreed a £7 million deal with Chivas Guadalajara for Hernandez, the club must convince the FA, charged by the Home Office with administering the process, to grant a certificate of sponsorship in order to endorse his application. Hernandez, a second-half substitute in Monday's 3-1 defeat by England, has yet to be awarded a permit due to his failure to play in 75 per cent of Mexico's fixtures over the last two years. Although Hernandez has been described as Mexico's brightest talent for a generation, United are mindful their application is not guaranteed to be successful. To secure a work permit, United must convince the FA panel that Hernandez is an elite player who could not be recruited within the European Union for a similar valuation

Manchester New Boy will be seen on action in worldcup Friendly

Javier Hernandez could be on the same pitch asWayne Rooney this evening when Mexico take on England in a World Cup warm-up match.

United’s latest signing – better known as Chicharito – is in the Central Americans’ provisional squad for South Africa 2010 and may figure in the friendly at Wembley, as might his other potential new team-mates Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick.

Chicharito’s arrival at Old Trafford is yet to be rubber-stamped with a work permit, but if all goes to plan, he could be back at tonight’s venue when the Reds contest the Community Shield with Chelsea in August.

Mexico go into the England game in good form, having won three friendlies in a row this month – all 1-0 – against Senegal, Angola and Chile.

However, they face a tough task to qualify for the last 16 from the same World Cup group as Uruguay, France and hosts South Africa, whom they face in the tournament opener on Friday 11 June.

United fans in the UK can watch England vs Mexico live on ITV1 tonight from 19:30 BST.

Nani could also be on duty tonight when Portugal face Cape Verde Islands in a friendly, while Patrice Evra is in France’s squad for Tuesday night’s home clash with Costa Rica