Man U snap up Mexico striker Hernandez

| Friday April 9, 2010 00:00

Hernandez, known as Chicharito, will join the English champions on July 1, provided he is granted a work permit, and the deal will involve United playing a pre-season friendly to open the new 45 000-capacity Chivas Stadium in Guadalajara.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who has also secured the signing of Fulham defender Chris Smalling for next season, said he was delighted to sign, 'an exciting young striker, who has been in such prolific form for both his club and his country.'He will be a great addition to our squad and we look forward to welcoming our first Mexican player in the summer.

'We are equally excited to play our first game in Mexico, opening the magnificent new Chivas Stadium in July.' Chicharito passed a medical in Manchester this week and has an impressive strike-rate at club level, scoring almost once every two games.

However, he has done even better for his country, registering four goals in four appearances.

If he makes his country's World Cup squad he could be in the Mexico squad for a pre-tournament friendly against England at Wembley on May 24.