Javier Hernandez has admitted he may have to leave Manchester United in the future in order to play regular first-team football.
• Mexico international desperate to shine under David Moyes
• 'I need more opportunities to showcase what I can do'
Javier Hernández is determined to prove himself worthy of a regular spot with Manchester United.
The striker's late return for pre-season training after appearing in the Confederations Cup for Mexico means he has been one of the players who has struggled to make an impact during David Moyes' first couple of months as United manager. He has made only two starts, plus three appearances as substitute, amounting to a grand total of 34 minutes.
Hernández has still made a positive impact, scoring the only goal in last month's Capital One Cup win over Liverpool at Old Trafford. But he wants more, even if he acknowledges the competition is pretty stiff.
"I am going on four years here at Manchester United and, like I have always said, I am happy to be able to play for one of the best clubs in the world," he said. "I am happy, doing my best every single day to earn more minutes on the pitch. All of us want to be able to contribute our part so this team can win championships."
Yet, with Wayne Rooney remaining at Old Trafford, it is hard to see how Hernández can make the permanent breakthrough he has been craving since arriving from Chivas in 2010. That may eventually force the 25-year-old to look elsewhere in a bid to further his career.
"I strive for that, I am working towards that; earning a spot as a starter," said Hernández, who over the next few days hopes to help prevent Mexico missing their first World Cup since 1990.
"I know my performance on the pitch will allow me to achieve that goal some day either here [in Manchester] or elsewhere for any other club. I just need to be given more opportunities to showcase what I can do."
It is a tricky situation, though, as Hernández clearly relishes the battle for a first-team spot with such stellar team-mates. "What better way to compete anywhere in the world than to compete with them [Rooney and Robin van Persie]?" he said. "The competition inside the team has always been really healthy. That helps a lot. Everyone wants to earn a starting spot."
After such a difficult start to the season, that competition is exactly what United need to push themselves back up the table. "The training and matches coming up will force us to step up and help the team grow both at an individual and collective level."