Manchester United: Bayer Leverkusen striker Javier Hernandez defends LVG over Old Trafford exit

Bayer Leverkusen striker Javier Hernandez has revealed that his departure from Manchester United was not due to a personal problem with Louis van Gaal, while hinting that it was related to not being part of the manager's plans as a regular starter. The Mexican forward was sold to the Bundesliga club at the start of the season after being deemed surplus to requirements, a decision that has not gone down well with the supporters following the Red Devils' struggle to find the back of the net on a consistent basis thus far this campaign.

The Dutch manager has been criticised for leaving United short in the striker's department following the sale of Hernandez, as Wayne Rooney and summer arrival Anthony Martial have struggled for goals this term. The former, however, looks to be getting back into form having scored three goals in his last four games, but the Frenchman has managed just two goals in his 14 appearances in the Premier League.

The Mexico international, on the other hand, has scored 19 goals in 25 appearances for his new club and his performances have attracted interest from clubs across Europe with Arsenal being linked with a move during the ongoing January transfer window. The 27-year-old striker, who looks back fondly at his time at Manchester, has refused to commit his future to his current employers, suggesting that he could be on the move yet again at the end of the season.

"It's part of the game. Only 11 players can start. It was nothing personal but every coach has his own plan," Hernandez said, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.

"When people criticise Van Gaal, that's their opinion. I'm pleased that people think I could have stayed there longer. I had four great years in Manchester. I was champion twice," the former Red Devils forward added.

"You can never know what happens. We will see, just look at my last three years. I have played at Real Madrid, Manchester United and I am at Leverkusen now."

"My goal is to play a good second half of the season. I am delighted to be at this outstanding club. In this sport, it does not matter whether you sign a 10-year contract or extend the contract 10 times by one year at a time. Everything can be different in six months, or you play at one club for 10 years," the Leverkusen forward explained, as quoted by ESPN FC.