In fact the Red Devils are only five points behind leaders Chelsea, and while some are claiming the title race is already over, you’d be silly to buy into that argument at this early stage.
Especially considering United have been without Rooney so far this campaign. Throw in injuries to Ryan Giggs and Luis Antonio Valencia as well as a host of defenders which has forced the United backline to become a revolving door, it’s easy to envisage this side will improve.
In the meantime, though, they are facing challenges.
But 22-year-old Mexican striker Javier Hernandez, signed by United from Guadalajara just prior to his impressive performances at this year’s World Cup where he scored two goals, has kept the Red Devils chugging along.
With Rooney sidelined and Dimitar Berbatov struggling to find consistency and maintain his effectiveness in front of goal, Hernandez has rescued twice United in the past week. And he’s suddenly become a United hero.
The Mexican has landed three goals in United’s past two matches; two goals in the 2-1 win over Stoke City (including a sublime Jared Borgetti-like header), before a well-taken winner in the 3-2 Carling Cup victory over Wolverhampton in midweek.
Just when the feeling at Old Trafford was negative, Hernandez has burst onto the scene and revived a bit of excitement and positivity. Fans have begun wearing sombreros and ponchos and ‘Chicharito’ has quickly become an idol.
And United boss Manchester United:Sir Alex Ferguson> insists the Mexican warrants all the praise he’s received.
“We tend to build up heroes very quickly here,” Ferguson said. “But the boy is justifying the praise he is getting at the moment.
“He is such a great professional. He is first in and last out of training, his goal-scoring is getting a lot of credit and praise and quite rightly, too.
“But his composure, touch and control of the ball is improving. His vision is improving and that is down to the training United are giving him.
“When he came on you just knew if he got a chance he would take it. He was absolutely brilliant, it was a magnificent goal. He dummied the defender really well, shaped to shoot and a great finish.”
There’s no doubt Hernandez is a superb finisher. Ferguson described his nous in front of goal as ‘like shelling peas’ after the Mexican’s late winner at Valencia in late-September in the Champions League.
Since his breakthrough goal at the Mestalla he’s made his mark with four more goals, including his recent purple patch.
The Mexican starlet does need to work on his physique, but as Ferguson says, United will give him the training and the facilities needed to give him the best to succeed in the long run.
In the short-term, Hernandez appears to be enjoying his football, and delivering on his raw talent and ability in front of goal.
Whether or not that will be enough to ensure keep chugging along and maintain touch with Chelsea remains to be seen, but Hernandez’s presence certainly won’t harm United’s title ambitions. Quite the opposite.