Javier Hernandez bagged his 50th goal for Manchester United but he admits the ten-goal thriller with West Bromwich Albion was a ‘frustrating’ way for Sir Alex Ferguson to sign off.
United stormed into a commanding lead via Shinji Kagawa, a Jonas Olsson own goal and Alexander Buttner before James Morrison and Romelu Lukaku pegged two back by 50 minutes.
Robin van Persie and Hernandez restored the Red Devils’ advantage, but Chelsea loanee Lukaku completed his hat-trick either side of a Youssuf Mulumbu strike late on.
And Hernandez believes complacency slipped into the away side’s ranks after pulling away by three goals on two separate occasions.
“It was a crazy match and also a bit frustrating because we wanted to win it,” said Hernandez.
“I think we thought we had it won which was a mistake because we relaxed a little bit and West Brom made very good substitutions which helped their team.
“It’s frustrating but the most important thing is we have won the league.”
Ferguson clocked his 1,500th game in his last game as manager but chose not to speak to the media after parading in front of United’s support when the final whistle blew.
And Hernandez saved a special word of thanks for the Scot – who plucked him from Guadalajara three years ago – while also hailing another retiree in Paul Scholes.
“The impact he has had on me is massive – he gave me this big chance to play at the biggest club in the world,” said the Mexican.
“He has taught me a lot and I only have thankful words for him.
“It is not only a loss for the British fans but he has changed football across the world. He has been here for 26 years and made the impossible dream come true like the song says.
“And what can I say about Paul Scholes? All the players say the same thing about him – he’s an incredible player and team-mate, and the class and talent he has is unbelievable.”
Picture courtesy of Ed Schipul, via Wiki Commons, with thanks.
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
