Former Manchester United hero would 'play for free' to solve striker crisis

Former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has offered to 'play for free' in order to solve Erik ten Hag's striker crisis at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag has been frantically trying to sign a striker this transfer window. United have been linked with a host of attacking players over the summer but they are so far yet to bring in anyone to help spearhead their front-line since the window opened on June 10.

There was cause for cautious optimism after Anthony Martial's pre-season form created murmurs that he might be back to his scintillating 2019/20 form – sadly an injury has so far prevented the chance for the 26-year-old to have his first Premier League involvement this season. United's other main option in attack is, of course, Cristiano Ronaldo, who has had a lack of pre-season preparation – the 37-year-old was deemed only fit enough to play 37 minutes against Brighton.

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The first-half saw Christian Eriksen as the furthest player forward for Ten Hag's side. He played as a false nine which raised some eyebrows as the Dane's role appeared to be a tactical gamble that didn't pay off – whether the Dutchman will persist with the idea is still yet to be seen.

As United continue to scour the transfer market for a new striker, one former Red has offered himself to the club as a cheap solution to the ongoing issue. Javier Hernandez, or Chicharito as he is affectionately known by fans, has said that he wouldn't think twice about stepping in to help should he be asked back to Old Trafford.

When discussing United's attempts to recruit a new forward, the 34-year-old told PA: “If United came for me then I’d say