Javier Hernandez wanted to become Manchester United's first choice striker

Of all Louis van Gaal’s decisions last summer, perhaps the one Manchester United fans were most baffled and disappointed by was the decision to sell Javier Hernandez to Bayer Leverkusen for £7.3 million.

And in the weeks and month after Chicharito’s sale, frustration levels amongst the United faithful would only increase. In 24 games for the German club, the Mexico international has scored 21 goals.

But in an interview with The Times, Hernandez has admitted he would have stayed at Manchester United had Louis van Gaal made him a promise.

“I was happy there,” the 27-year-old admitted. “If the coach had told me I would be his No 1 striker, I would never have left.

“But I wanted to play. I looked for the team for three years. I focused on being there, on working, on being a good team-mate, on being ready. [It was the time] to look for myself, to look at my own goals. The fans wanted me to stay, but they wanted me to stay as a back-up. I did not want to wait any more.”