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Hernandez thrives in Rooney’s absence

Javier Hernandez showed Manchester United don’t need to rely solely on Wayne Rooney as the Mexican forward’s double clinched a crucial 2-1 win at Stoke on Sunday.

Judging by the storm of controversy over Rooney’s contract row with United this week, it would be easy to believe Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are a one-man team.

Rooney eventually made a remarkable u-turn to commit his future to United by signing a new 150,000 pounds a week contract on Friday just days after criticising the club’s ambition and admitting he wanted to leave.

But the England striker was absent against Stoke due to an ankle injury, reported to be celebrating his 25^th birthday in Dubai, and his understudy Hernandez ensured he wasn’t missed with a clinical display of finishing.

Hernandez put United in front in the 27^th minute with a clever back-flicked header before Stoke substitute Tuncay Sanli curled home an 81^st minute equaliser.

United responded superbly to that setback and Hernandez sealed his side’s first away league win this season with a predatory finish in the 86^th minute.

Rooney’s desire to quit had sparked an angry reaction from sections of the United support during the midweek Champions League win over Bursaspor but, now his future was resolved, there were no further protests from the travelling fans at the Britannia Stadium.

Manchester City can move back above United into second place with a win or draw against Arsenal later on Sunday, while beleaguered Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson, whose side are in the relegation zone, desperately needs a win at home to Blackburn.