De Gea questions Man United's decision to sell Chicharito

David de Gea has questioned Louis van Gaal’s decision to sell Javier Hernandez – saying the striker could be the answer to Manchester United’s current struggles in front of goal.

United recently went through a spell of scoring just two goals in five games – including three successive 0-0 draws – until Saturday’s 2-0 win over West Brom enabled them to claim their first two-goal plus haul since the 3-0 win at Everton in mid-October.

By contrast, Chicharito has made a blistering start to life at Bayer Leverkusen after making the switch from Old Trafford this summer, scoring 10 goals in all competitions for the Bundesliga side – including eight goals in his last six games.

And now De Gea, who insists he is happy at Old Trafford despite fresh reports linking him to Real Madrid, has hit out at the decision to let the Mexican marksman leave.

“These are decisions for the coach,” revealed De Gea.

“But in my team he [Chicharito] would always play. He was an undisputed starter before and player of the year at United. He can get you 20, 30 goals a season. I would like a lot to play with him again, hopefully it can happen.”

United have openly struggled for goals this season and De Gea admitted he still talks to his former team-mate, regularly adding that the striker found it difficult being left in the lurch at Old Trafford.

“He is a very good friend, we last spoke two or three days ago,” said De Gea.

“We are in touch a lot. He does well in whatever team he is at. He has scored eight or nine goals in very few games. The truth is he is doing well at Leverkusen and everyone knows Chicharito is a goal scorer.”

“They were difficult moments, but everyone trusts in him, knows the level he has. He always does something, always scores goals when he gets playing time. He is showing now he is among best goal scorers in the world.”