Roo is blend of Messi 'n Ronaldo

Posted Saturday, April 30, 2011 by The Sun

Roo is blend of Messi 'n Ronaldo
WIDE APPEAL ... Hernandez says Rooney's talents match the best

JAVIER HERNANDEZ last night insisted that Wayne Rooney is better than Lionel Messi - at shooting.

And he is also a better header of the ball than Cristiano Ronaldo.

Hernandez, Manchester United's latest sensation, ran the rule over his strike partnership with Rooney that has set the Premier and Champions League alight.

Mexican ace Hernandez, who should line-up against Arsenal tomorrow, has fired 17 goals in his debut season in England.

While Rooney - after a slow start - is fast catching up on 15.

They are so good together that 21-goal top-scorer Dimitar Berbatov is scratching around for a game.

A delighted Hernandez, 23, was happy to bracket his illustrious team-mate in the same breath as Barcelona maestro Messi and Ronaldo of Real Madrid.

He insisted: "I always used to admire Wayne from a distance. Now it is a pleasure to play alongside him. Our relationship is perfect.

"Without doubt Wayne is one of the best forwards in the world. Wayne is better than Lionel Messi - at shooting.

"And better than Cristiano Ronaldo - at heading. All their styles are different but Rooney is a super class."

Hernandez - Chicharito to his team-mates - has himself climbed up the world ladder in terms of sheer presence and goal threat.

His phenomenal movement and eye for goal has given United a whole new dimension.

The youngster also knew that the switch from Mexico to the Premier League would involve physical duress and he has worked tirelessly at this aspect of his game.

He explained: "Today football is not only about technique but physical preparation.

"I run many miles and work on my muscles to increase my speed. In Mexico I developed a similar system, although it wasn't so intense as here. The physical power is key to triumph in England. Only by making sacrifices could I have achieved something that seemed impossible when I arrived last summer.

"I wanted to learn and to take my chance when it came. Never did I imagine this success.

"Back in Mexico I used to watch the Champions League on television.

"Now I'm part of the best club competition in the world.

"We have a great chance to make the final after beating Schalke and Barcelona are favourites to be there as well.

"Everyone wants revenge over Barca for the 2009 final defeat and it would be magnificent to get it at Wembley." United visit the Emirates tomorrow looking to put the title to bed. Well, certainly to end the Gunners' hopes of pipping them at the last minute.

Hernandez said: "I believed Arsenal would be our main opponents - they have excellent players.

"Perhaps the pressure damaged them, those defeats against Barcelona and Birmingham in the Carling Cup final.

"They will be difficult to beat so once again we must put in a big effort.

"But United is a team that never knows when it is defeated. Our spirit and history creates fear in our rivals. If we are 2-0 down with 20 minutes to go, people know we can come back. That doesn't happen at other clubs.

"We also have to play Chelsea. I know they will fight until the last minute to protect their title but the outcome is in our hands.

"If we win these matches we win the Premier League."

Alex Ferguson believes that the partnership between Hernandez and Rooney has helped fill the void left by Ronaldo, who quit Old Trafford for Spain two years ago.

The Red Devils boss said: "I think that teams always win the big competitions although an individual can make a difference as Ronaldo did many times. But Rooney and Chicharito are making the difference now and Valencia's form is also making a difference."

Fergie was asked whether one day he would like to bring Real Madrid star Ronaldo back to Old Trafford but he admitted it would be "very difficult" Shame. Rooney, Hernandez and Ronaldo. Now that really would be some strike force.

GAMES TO GO - ARSENAL: May 8 Stoke (a); May 15 Aston Villa (h); May 22 Fulham (a). MAN UTD: May 8 Chelsea (h); May 14 Blackburn (a); May 22 Blackpool (h).