Javier Hernandez believes former club Manchester United need to adapt and finally get over Alex Ferguson's exit if they are to get back to the top.
The Scot called time on his masterful, medal-laden managerial reign at Old Trafford in 2013, having won 13 league titles and two Champions Leagues among his impressive trophy haul.
Hernandez was part of Ferguson’s final Premier League title triumph and has watched from afar as United floundered for much of the nine years that have followed.
The LA Galaxy striker hates the way things have panned out for a club he retains so much affection for and believes the Old Trafford giants need to focus on what is to come rather than what they have lost.
Asked if he was surprised by United’s fall, Hernandez said: "That’s a very tricky question, man. Because I’ll answer yes and no.
"It doesn’t surprise me because in life it’s not easy having a manager for 26 years in the way that Sir Alex did it.
"One of his greatest aptitudes, in my humble opinion, was that probably seven out of 10 players who signed for United worked out. That’s not easy, man – not for Real Madrid or Barcelona or even for Chelsea, City, Liverpool or Bayern Munich.
"It’s not easy to do that for 26 years, but Sir Alex was very good on the personal side to see how he could take the best out of you and how you can help the club.
"To substitute that man like that is not easy. It is like winning the lottery.
"Do you think anyone you hire afterwards is going to be able to do 80% of what Ferguson did?
"My point of view is that after Ferguson brings so much pressure that it just isn’t going to work out.
"United need to now get over the fact that Sir Alex Ferguson has gone.
"Would we like to have someone similar? Yes, yes, yes. But Sir Alex
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