Sign Van Persie - But don't sell off Javier Hernandez

A report late last night suggested Javier Hernandez could be forced out of Old Trafford if Robin van Persie is brought in. 

If this was the case, it could be a major own goal for Manchester United in the long-term.

Robin van Persie could be a superb signing for United, one who can be the difference between winning next year's title or not.

Roberto Mancini is so set on signing him for City, so far to no avail, and if the Red Devils could clinch a deal for the Arsenal forward then it would be an early psychological strike for the club before the season has even kicked off.

The reason why Hernandez' future is being doubted, is that at times last season he appeared to be United's third choice striker. The suggestion is that he will be pushed out to fourth in the pecking order.

We fully expect Chicharito to be a Manchester United player next season regardless of Van Persie or not. Sir Alex Ferguson likes to have four top class strikers in his ranks, and Hernandez is already proven.

But if offloading him was a genuine consideration for the club in their bid to sign Van Persie, we'd urge them to reconsider. The Mexican striker is a poacher like few other in the Premier League.

He is one of the world's best finishers and his movement is a constant threat for defenders. He may frustrate the United faithful at times by being caught offside, but this is the cost of his risk-reward type game which often results in goals.

He may have scored 'just' 10 goals last season, in 18 starts, a tally which was seen as a tad underwhelming thanks to his superb debut season, but two important issues should come under consideration.

His injury record; He began the season with a concussion, and picked up a string of knocks and strains which prevented him from getting any sort of run in the side.

Secondly the goals he did score underlined just how important he is. The brace against Wolves aside, his goals featured important winners - away at Swansea, Everton, or big equalisers against Newcastle, Liverpool, and Chelsea.

He revelled in his tag as 'super-sub' and while the bench may be a starting spot for him next season most regularly, he has a lot to offer.

The key message here, is that while Robin van Persie can be an exciting option in the short-term, Javier Hernandez is part of United's long-term future.

Hernandez is just 24, almost five years younger than the Dutchman - whose own injury record presents its own reasons not to sign him.

United will feel they may be able to get a maximum of three top class years out of Van Persie - and that's if he stays lucky, while Hernandez has potentially over a decade left at the top level. The Mexican is the type of poacher who could well follow a Raul or a Pippo Inzaghi into scoring well into their late 30s.

So United must look at the long game. If there is a chance bringing in Van Persie would marginalise Hernandez to the extent they feel selling him for a big price is the fairest option, then they should not do a deal for the Dutchman.

If they can find a way to rotate Rooney, Welbeck, Hernandez and Van Persie and keep them all happy - which Ferguson is more than capable of doing; then they should go for it.

Do you agree United should prioritise make Hernandez a cornerstone of their long-term future?

image: © eschipul