Javier Hernandez has backed Louis van Gaal to succeed at Old Trafford Javier Hernandez has backed Louis van Gaal to succeed at Old Trafford

Javier Hernandez believes Louis van Gaal is still capable of turning Manchester United's fortunes around - despite being told he was surplus to requirements by the Dutchman.

The Mexican striker has taken the Bundesliga by storm this season since leaving Old Trafford for Bayer Leverkusen in September.

Hernandez was named Bundesliga player of the month three consecutive times in November, December and January and has scored 16 goals in 25 league games so far this season.

In contrast, United have struggled in front of goal and are currently in danger of missing out on Champions League qualification as they trail both Arsenal and Manchester City by four points with five games to play in the race for the top four.

Hernandez has scored 16 league goals for Bayer Leverkusen this season

Many would forgive Hernandez for harbouring resentment towards Van Gaal for the manner in which he was forced to leave Old Trafford.

But the 27-year-old still respects the beleaguered United manager and says he can guide the club back to the summit of English football if he is given more time.

"He is a really good manager to be honest," Hernandez said, speaking exclusively to Sky Sports News HQ. "He has his own ways like all the managers in the world.

"You will not find the new Sir Alex Ferguson in the next 50 or 100 years because he was unique. He was special.

"Van Gaal can do it but in football, time and results are going to speak about if he is the main man or if he is not."

After being loaned out to Real Madrid during Van Gaal's first season in charge, Hernandez was told by the Dutchman that Wayne Rooney would be his first-choice striker and his chances in the United first team would be severely limited if he stayed.

Hernandez says Van Gaal told him that his chances of playing for Man Utd were 'very hard'

While Hernandez has scored freely for Leverkusen, United have struggled in front of goal and are on course to shatter their record for lowest goals scored in a Premier League season.

The Red Devils have managed just 40 goals from their 33 games so far, while their previous low of 58 goals was set in 2004/05.

Anthony Martial is United's top scorer in the league with eight goals while Rooney is second with seven. Their combined total of 15 league goals is one less than Hernandez has managed for Leverkusen.

Given how the season has gone for both parties, many United fans have questioned the decision to sell Hernandez but he says it was made clear to him that he was no longer wanted at Old Trafford.

"He just told me that my chances to play would be very hard," Hernandez said. "I appreciate that he was very honest since the beginning.

"When I left, he told me my chances and my opportunities were going to be less because his main striker was going to be Wayne Rooney.

"If he wasn't fit for example, I was going to play but when he was ready he would play."