Louis van Gaal rules out Chicharito return to Manchester United

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has ruled out a return for striker Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, who is currently on-loan at Real Madrid.

Until recently, the Mexico international has primarily been used as a substitute in Carlo Ancelotti’s side. However, due to injuries to Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema, Chicharito was given starts twice last week.

The Mexican responded by scoring the decisive goal during the second leg of Real Madrid’s 1-0 Champions League quarter-final victory over Atletico Madrid, and then added two more goals against Celta Vigo on Sunday.

Despite his efforts both domestically and in Europe, questions continue to linger about the player’s future in Spain.

But it appears Chicharito will not be returning to Manchester United when his loan spell ends with Real Madrid.

According to the British tabloid the Daily Star, Louis van Gaal sees the striker as a substitute and doesn’t feel that role would suit the Mexico international’s aspirations.

“Chicharito’s future? I have sent him away already this season,” Van Gaal told the Daily Star.

“I said the same as I said to [Danny] Welbeck: ‘You are again a substitute and I don’t think that is good for you’.

“When you score a goal – as he has just done for Real Madrid – are you suddenly different? I don’t think so.”

While Van Gaal seemingly closed the door on Chicharito, the Dutch manager has left the door open for on-loan striker Radamel Falcao.

Although Falcao has struggled with injury and poor form during his inaugural season in England, Van Gaal believes the Colombian has what it takes to play at the highest level.

“I can’t say the same to him,” Van Gaal added. “Falcao has the quality to play.”

The Colombia international has played 23 leagues games for United (13 starts), scoring four and adding four assists.