"It was about three years ago and I had a lot of questions about whether or not this was the path God wanted me to follow," Hernandez said.
"I wasn't playing much football, I was being kept in the reserves. I was disappointed younger players were coming through and getting ahead of me, and it really got me down, even away from football."
The then 20-year-old Hernandez was playing at storied Mexican club Chivas de Guadalajara. He was in his third professional season and his playing time was limited to the odd-token appearance.
"I talked a lot with my parents, my grandparents, my sister and my girlfriend about my situation, and they helped me realise that this is what I was meant to do. I know now that I'm a very lucky guy and I'm glad I made the decision to keep playing. That experience taught me a lot."
It was in early 2009 that Hernandez finally became a regular at Chivas. Within a year he was entrenched in the starting 11 and had made his debut for Mexico.
Hernandez joined the Red Devils before the 2010 World Cup for £7 million ($11.2 million). He was a big hit in his first season in English soccer and recently signed a new contract that ties him to the club for five years.
Photo via Flickr/Catatan Bola Photo Gallery
