Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez might not have to find a new team after all.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal said Thursday that Hernandez will remain with the Red Devils this season, rather than plying his trade elsewhere. Van Gaal delivered his surprising news at his pregame press conference ahead of Manchester United’s Friday visit to Aston Villa in the Premier League.

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Hernandez was widely expected to leave Manchester United this summer after spending the last two seasons as a squad player with the Red Devils or on loan at Real Madrid. However, Manchester United’s decisions not to sign Radamel Falcao from Monaco and to sell Robin van Persie to Fenerbahce created fresh room in van Gaal’s squad for Hernandez to claim.

Van Gaal announced last month that Wayne Rooney will be his main striker. Many predicted Manchester United would sign a world-class striker in the current transfer window to rival Rooney, but none has arrived yet.