Chicharito returns to Manchester United as Real Madrid loan deal ends

Javier Hernandez struggled at Real Madrid before winning over coach Carlo Ancelotti towards the end of the season.

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez has returned to Manchester United after the end of his loan spell at Real Madrid.

Chicharito, 26, is facing an uncertain future after 2013-14 Champions League winners Real declined to take up their option to sign him on a permanent deal.

The Mexico international, who turns 27 in June, is set to enter the final year of his contract at Old Trafford.

Chicharito, who was United's player of the year in the 2010-11 season, only made nine and six league starts in his last full two seasons at Old Trafford respectively before he was loaned out last summer.

The striker made just two competitive appearances under Louis van Gaal -- in the 2-1 defeat to Swansea and the 4-0 thrashing by MK Dons -- before being allowed to leave on the final day of the 2014 summer transfer window,

Chicharito scored nine goals in 33 games during his year at Real, but started just seven times in La Liga as he struggled to win a starting role under Carlo Ancelotti, who has since been sacked by Los Blancos president Florentino Perez.

An injury to Karim Benzema late in the season afforded Chicharito more playing time, and the striker netted a Champions League quarterfinal winner against Atletico Madrid.

The forward had indicated his desire to stay in Madrid in late April, but also added: I love playing football -- it's what makes me feel good... Only God knows where I will be this time next year."

Since then Chicharito has been the subject of interest from MLS side Orlando City, but no move has materialised.

United have parted company with one striker already, with Radamel Falcao's loan spell ending along with confirmation they will not try to buy the Colombia international.

Van Gaal is expected to bring in another forward over the summer, which could mean Chicharito is surplus to requirements.

And if he is to stay at Old Trafford, he is certain to miss their preseason tour of the United States after being named in Mexico's squad for July's Gold Cup.