Rest has helped Javier Hernandez says Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Javier Hernandez is benefiting from having his first proper pre-season as a Manchester United player.

Ferguson caused some controversy when he put a block on Hernandez being selected for Olympic duty this summer.

That Mexico went on to claim the gold medal by beating Brazil at Wembley must have made it even more frustrating for the 24-year-old.

Yet the benefit came on Tuesday, when Hernandez scored twice to rescue United in their Champions League encounter with Braga at Old Trafford.

For Ferguson felt Hernandez would benefit from having a proper break, and then getting some decent work in during pre-season.

It is something he had not managed as a United player up to that point due to duty at both the World Cup and Gold Cup, the regional tournament for the CONCACAF region at which he ended up top scorer.

And with the Confederations Cup, and another Gold Cup due to take place in 2013, and the World Cup to follow that in Brazil 12 months later, Ferguson felt missing London 2012 was essential.

"The thing that is making the difference is he got a proper rest in the summer," said Ferguson.

"It wasn't exhausting in the way it had been in the previous three years.

"He was tremendous the other night.

"He is such a dedicated footballer and professional in every training session.

"He's a really terrific player and the good thing is that he is still improving."

Hernandez's double means he has now scored three times this season, a tally bettered only by Robin van Persie in the United squad.

Yet the chances are he will do no better than a place on the bench this Sunday when the Red Devils visit Chelsea.

Van Persie and Wayne Rooney would appear to be automatic selections, whilst Danny Welbeck has started five Premier League games so far compared to Hernandez's single effort, against Wigan last month.

It's a good problem to have," said Ferguson.

"I don't always enjoy it [telling players they're not playing] but it has to be done.

"In fairness to all the players they've accepted it well and adapted to it.

"I don't have any great problems other than having to tell one or two of them they're not playing."

PA