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Javier Hernandez stakes claim to starting place with two goals

Mexican scores twice and makes the third goal to bring Manchester United back from being 2-0 down against a young Aston Villa side

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Manchester United's Javier Hernandez celebrates his second goal as Aston Villa's Matthew Lowton hides his head. Photo: Reuters

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson believes Javier Hernandez can challenge Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie for a regular place in his starting line-up after the Mexican inspired a brilliant comeback at Aston Villa.

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United had trailed 2-0 after Villa forward Andreas Weimann scored either side of half-time, but Hernandez came off the bench to net twice, as well as playing the crucial role in the other goal, as Ferguson's team clinched a 3-2 win that sent them four points clear at the top of the Premier League.

The Mexican striker was only denied a hat-trick because Ron Vlaar was credited with an own-goal after Hernandez's shot deflected in off the Villa defender.

United have a host of attacking options, but after such an influential display, Ferguson insists Hernandez deserves to go from super-sub to starter.

"Javier did his natural thing. He's fantastic in the penalty box and his movement and quickness in space has got him the goals," Ferguson said.

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"He had a good summer break and it's made a difference to him. What we saw today is what we saw from him two years ago," Ferguson said.

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