Hernandez salutes rampant Rooney after hat-trick

Posted Sunday, September 11, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez admits Wayne Rooney's rampant form is the key to his side's record-breaking start to the Premier League season.

Rooney became the first United player to score successive hat-tricks in the league since Alex Dawson in 1960 as the England forward netted a treble in Saturday's 5-0 win at Bolton.

It was Rooney's seventh United hat-trick, the same number as Sir Bobby Charlton, and his eight league goals this season mean he is already only three adrift of his total for the whole of last term.

Hernandez played his part in the rout at Bolton with two goals of his own, but he acknowledges that Rooney is the man making United tick at present.

"Wayne Rooney is unbelievable. He can do anything on a pitch," Hernandez said.

"There is a lot of excitement about this team. Everyone knows about Bolton but we played very well. We created chances and scored goals.

"Scoring early settled us down. Once you are up in front, the other team needs to go towards your goal. Then you can start to attack more."

Sir Alex Ferguson's side are playing with remarkable energy and freedom after the United boss opted to refresh his team with some new young blood this season.

Rooney is leading the way, but the likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley—who suffered a foot injury at Bolton—have also played their part.

United's haul of 18 goals in their first four matches is a new Premier League record and sends out a warning to their next two opponents - Benfica in the Champions League in midweek and and Chelsea at Old Trafford next weekend.

Hernandez was making his first start of the season after recovering from a concussion suffered in the pre-season tour to America and he admits there is a special blend at United just now.