Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez reveals frustration after Real Madrid loan spell

Manchester United striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez has revealed his frustration over a perceived lack of importance during his season-long loan spell with Real Madrid.

The Mexico striker, absent from his country's Copa America squad as El Tri prioritise the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States and Canada to be held in July, was deemed surplus to requirements under manager Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford following the signing of Radamel Falcao but equally struggled to gain recognition during his time at the Bernabeu.

With Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema firmly established as Carlo Ancelotti's first-choice attacking trio, Hernandez made just 11 starts in all competitions as Real finished second to fierce rivals Barcelona and failed to retain the Champions League following a semi-final aggregate defeat to Juventus.

"I had to warm the bench a lot. It was massively frustrating because I didn't feel important," the player told Spanish publication AS.

Despite that irritation, though, he appeared to claim his stint with arguably the world's biggest club would benefit his career.

"I learned a lot during my season at Real Madrid. It helped me find myself again as a player."

Hernandez's initial loan deal included an option for Real to make the arrangement permanent this summer, although it appears the club have decided against that, with Rafael Benitez sure to have his own transfer targets in mind after being appointed as Ancelotti's successor earlier in June.

Whether there is a viable future for the affable 27-year-old, who had previously stated a desire to join Los Blancos on a full-time basis, at Manchester United remains unclear.

Although Falcao's departure and a real lack of clarity regarding the future of Robin van Persie has left Van Gaal needing to reinforce his attacking options before next season, the arrival of Memphis Depay from PSV Eindhoven coupled with Hernandez's obvious desire to finally shake his unwanted "super sub" tag would appear to complicate the situation.

Harry Kane is believed to be one of United's key transfer targets following his prolific 2014-15 campaign at Tottenham and while the England international has admitted to being "flattered" at the interest, he appears content to remain at White Hart Lane for at least another year having only agreed terms on an improved five-and-a-half year contract in February.