Manchester United's Darren Fletcher heaps praise on Javier Hernández

Darren Fletcher is expecting Javier Hernández to have a bright future at Manchester United. Relatively unknown in Europe when he agreed to join United in a £7m deal from Chivas before the World Cup, the Mexican made an instant impact in South Africa and has followed it with an impressive start at Old Trafford.

Goals for and against his new club on their pre-season tour of North America hinted at his potential and, although his goal in the Community Shield was unconventional as he booted the ball in via a deflection off his face, it took away the pressure of trying to break his United duck in a competitive match.

Although Hernández's chances have been limited by the form of Dimitar Berbatov, he proved to be the match-winner in Valencia last night when he scored five minutes from the end to give United a rare Champions League victory in Spain.

Fletcher feels there is more to come from the 22-year-old. "Javier got his head down and finished it fantastically," said the Scotland captain. "He showed he is going to be a great player for Manchester United.

"He is young and still getting used to the way we play. But he has come in from Mexico and is a real talent."

United lead the group – if only on alphabetical order from Rangers – but Fletcher is pleased they have put their ineffective performance during the home draw against the Scottish champions behind them.

"We are back in a good position," said Fletcher. "We were disappointed to draw at home to Rangers and we knew going to Valencia was going to be difficult. But we got three points to put us back top of the group. The target is always 10 points. That is what it remains."