The performance of the predatory Hernandez in tandem with an improving Wayne Rooney, says Man Utd Forum, both in the FA Cup win against Arsenal and in securing a place in the last eight of the Champions League for the fifth season in succession, perhaps provided a signpost to the future for Ferguson.

Ferguson attempted to keep the lid on his delight about how quickly Hernandez has adapted to the demands in both domestic and European combat – a task in which he did not quite succeed.

Hernandez’s instincts eased United through a meeting with Marseille that was anything but routine. Indeed if Didier Deschamps’ side had a cutting edge of the sort the Mexican provided, Ferguson could easily have been contemplating the conclusion of this season’s European campaign, says Man Utd Forum.