Chicharito on The "Monster" Rooney & Tevez Comparison

Edin Dzeko

Javier Hernandez is living the dream. Playing regularly for Manchester United, scoring vital goals, getting on with your business and playing with some great players. Yet from all of his quotes and interviews, he seems so down to earth and grounded. The 22 year-old Mexican has been in sensational form in his first season in England, scoring a brilliant total of 16 goals so far and starting a very promising partnership with Wayne Rooney - pushing the Leagues top scorer, Dimitar Berbatov on the bench in the process.

'Chicharito', as he is known, spoke of Wayne Rooney, comparisons to the former United striker and current City player Carlos Tevez, and what his secret to success on the field is:

"Playing with Wayne is a dream. He's a monster to be alongside and I never believed I would get so many games and goals during my first season at United."

“'The Little Tevez'? I'm really proud that people are comparing me to him but I am Chicharito and am living my dreams at the moment.” 

 “I am very happy because I know there is much more to come. My secret is to study opposition defenders and work out their weak points."

 "I try to outwit them with my speed and anticipation in the area. So my goals are not down to luck."

Hernandez was bought by Sir Alex Ferguson for £6 million this summer and is probably the buy of the season. When you consider Chelsea's splurge of money on Torres and Manchester City's £30 buy of Edin Dzeko, Chicharito looks such a great buy for the club.

His impressive performances in last years World Cup saw him score a few vital goals including one against France and one against Argentina, and the former Guadalajara player believes that the physical aspect of the game in better in England:

“Perhaps the better physical preparation here in England is the key to my performances. This aspect of the game is better than in South America and I have profited.” 

Now Hernandez will be hoping United can push on after the international break and go on to cement their place at the top of the Premier League, and progress against City and Chelsea in the FA Cup and Champions League respectively.

Video: Dzeko Mocks Balotelli Bib Incident

Edin Dzeko

Edin Dzeko did his best impression of fellow Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli in a warm up.

Balotelli had earlier made himself look a complete fool when he tried, and failed to put a training bib on, not once but twice. Both times, the Italian striker who had been followed by Manchester United before his move to City, needed help from one of the City staff.

Roberto Mancini has admitted that the striker was "stupid" after getting himself sent off for an astonishingly mindless chest high challenge in City's Europa League tie with Dynamo Kiev, leaving City with ten men and in an unfortunate position.

Jose Mourinho, who was manager of Inter Milan when Balotelli played there also isn't a big fan of Balotelli's temper. He said:

“The guy has incredible qualities, but sometimes does not know how to use his brain."

At the moment, Balotelli is a joke. He is an easy target for rival fans because of the cockiness he showed earlier in his City career, his apparent disloyalty to City, his often static performances and petulant behaviour on the pitch. It's fair to say, he is no role model.

But then, what he needs is a role model - someone to look up to and look after him - because there is no doubt that the guy has talent. It seems that the 20 year old is finally coming to recognise that too, because after his omission from the Italian squad picked by Cesare Prandelli for the upcoming internationals, he spoke to the Italy coach. Prandelli said:

"I have heard from Balotelli. He understands that he made a fool of himself.

"He said to me: 'I need help. I always ruin everything but I care a lot about the national team.'

The sooner Balotelli grows up and takes some responsibility, the better. He could become a great striker - a great player, but when you are as confident and cocky as he is, you need to have the goals and the quality to back it up. Much like Cristiano Ronaldo did in his time at Manchester United. He matured into one of the best players in the world, and it is this kind of player that Balotelli wants to be like.

Time to pull his socks up. Time to grow up.