Manchester United striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez has signed a three-year contract with German club Bayer Leverkusen, according to multiple reports.

Manchester United striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez has signed a three-year contract with German club Bayer Leverkusen, according tomultiple reports.

The 27-year-old Mexican international said farewell to his teammates after they returned from Sunday’s loss to Swansea City, the Daily Mail reports. Hernandez did not play in the game.

Hernandez joined Man U in 2010 and spent last season on loan with Real Madrid. The Spanish club had the option to purchase Hernandez after the loan expired but chose to allow him to return to Manchester.

Hernandez had reportedly rejected a move to Orlando City of MLS in the spring, deciding instead to pursue other opportunities in Europe.

The move leaves United thin at the striker spot, with Wayne Rooney and youngsters James Wilson and Adnan Januzaj as the only true forwards. Manager Louis van Gaal has also used Marouane Fellaini, typically a midfielder, as a striker.

- Dan Gartland