As if you didn’t already know, Sir Alex Ferguson knows more about soccer than Louis van Gaal. Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez is just living proof.

Chicharito Reunites With His Girlfriend In Barcelona

The Mexican international -- who signed with Manchester United from Chivas Guadalajara in 2010 -- has made the most of his transfer to Bayer Leverkusen this campaign. In 20 appearances with the German side, Hernandez boasts 17 goals -- including 15 in his last 12 games.

How does that compare to United as a whole?

Chicharito Should Return To Chivas Guadalajara

It’s no coincidence one of the most expensive rosters in all of Europe learned its Europa League fate -- rather than its Champions League fate -- on Monday. United’s reputation has diminished to the point of rubbing elbows with Midtjylland on a Thursday night.

Not exactly how Ferguson drew it up when he stepped down as manager in 2013.

Admittedly, Hernandez didn’t do himself any favors under van Gaal.

But as Bayer Leverkusen soon found out -- as did Arsene Wenger with Joel Campbell at Arsenal -- there are benefits to giving a player an extended run instead of spot duty. Confidence, chemistry and a better grasp of the club philosophy blossoms.

It’s a lesson van Gaal failed to learn. It’s a lesson that ultimately cost United a run at the Round of 16.

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