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Manchester United's Javier Hernandez wants first-team football next season

VIGO, SPAIN - APRIL 26:  Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez of Real Madridn celebrates after scoring Real's 4th goal
Image: Javier Hernandez is open to playing for Manchester United again - as long as he gets regular games

Javier Hernandez says his priority is obtaining first-team football next season and admits he doesn't mind where he plays so long as he gets regular games.

Hernandez is poised to return to Manchester United after Real Madrid chose not to make his loan deal with them permanent.

The 27-year-old made a reasonable impact at the Bernabeu, scoring nine goals including a derby winner against city rivals Atletico in April.

He made only 11 starts for the former European champions, however, as he struggled to compete with Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema for a frequent starting berth.

Hernandez is now preparing to return to Old Trafford, where he has one year left on his contract, but knows his stay there could be brief.

Diego Godin and Javier Hernandez compete for the ball
Image: Javier Hernandez scored against city rivals Atletico Madrid

The Mexico international insists the most important thing for him next season is to play more football and is open-minded on where that happens.

He told Spanish newspaper Marca:  "I'm currently on holiday and awaiting news regarding my future. I imagine I will know something soon.

"Real had a deadline to exercise the right to acquire my rights but they let it go. Real are like any other club and as of now I am a Manchester United player.

"That's the only reality. Above all, I want to join a team where I can play and have minutes. If it's at Manchester United or another team, I will be equally happy. My priority is to play."

Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (L)
Image: Cristiano Ronaldo was a regular starter for Real, limiting Hernandez's playing time at the club

Hernandez was moved on to Real last August when Louis van Gaal took charge of United, but the former Guadalajara player doesn’t think that ends his chances of playing there again.

He added: "Last summer it was a different situation. When Van Gaal arrived he wanted to restructure the team and reduce the number of players.

“They weren't playing in Europe and he preferred to focus on the Premier League. Perhaps he didn't want many players because we wouldn't have played.

“Now the situation is different. There will be a Champions League preliminary round to play, which means many more games.

“I think there might be more opportunities. I think I have more options to play at United next season.”

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