Hernandez surprises Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted Javier Hernandez's rapid transition to English football has taken him by surprise.

Hernandez's 19th goal of the season provided Manchester United with an 84th-minute winner against Everton at Old Trafford that puts them within touching distance of a record 19th league title.

The Mexican has already established himself as a regular member of Ferguson's first-choice starting line-up, which even the Scot did not expect when he lured the 22-year-old to England from Mexican outfit Chivas this summer.

"Javier has done better than everyone expected," said Ferguson.

"We thought that because it was his first year, he would just get used to the English game and get strengthened up. He has passed all those tests.

"He is first in, at 9am every morning. He is last to leave. He is a truly dedicated boy."