Javier Hernández joined Manchester United in 2010 Photo: The Sport Review

Javier Hernández has admitted he wants more playing time at Manchester United – but the striker knows he faces stiff competition for a starting spot.

The Mexico international scored the winner in a 4-3 victory over Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Boxing Day, taking his tally to 10 goals in 20 appearances in all competitions this season.

The 24-year-old has only started four Premier League games since the arrival of Robin van Persie in the summer, but with Wayne Rooney set to be out of action for three weeks with a knee injury, Hernández is relishing the prospect of some regular first-team action.

“Ask any player in the world and they will tell you they want to play every game. But the competition here is incredible,” said Hernández.

“It is the biggest club in the world. You need to be aware there are five strikers who want to be part of the games. I have to prove, in one minute or 90, that I want to start.”

Hernández spurned three chances before finally scoring the winner against the Magpies, and the Mexican believes the key to his success is not to over think missed opportunities.

“You cannot afford to regret every chance you miss because if you do you will never be concentrated for the next opportunity,” he added.

“You are never going to play the perfect game. You will never score five goals from five opportunities. That is the beauty of football.”