23 September 2023 , 05:30
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Javier Hernandez showed there were no hard feelings as he greeted old teammate Wayne Rooney - despite previously hinting that he was the reason for his Manchester United departure.
The Mexican forward embraced the former Old Trafford captain as the one-time strike partners met up with each other in California earlier this year. Their careers have both taken them to the United States following their respective departures from the Red Devils and the duo were delighted to reconvene after seven years apart.
Their story together played out between the years of 2010 and 2014, when they lined up side-by-side at the head of Sir Alex Ferguson's attack. With Hernandez now turning out for LA Galaxy and Rooney managing D.C. United, their stories intertwined once more for a fleeting visit.
Before the former England marksman brought his team to play the Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park in January of this year, they enjoyed a catch-up. Rooney had flown in early prior to the warm-up friendly ahead of the new MLS season, making an effort to check-in with his old pal in the process.
The ex-teammates looked visibly delighted to be reunited, as they reminisced over a glittering spell in their careers. Posing for pictures following a warm embrace, it was clear that the duo still maintained the same chemistry that helped them to two Premier League titles together.
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Taking to their social media pages after the emotional moment, they both looked back fondly on the experience. Posting pictures of the meeting on his Instagram, Hernandez wrote: "It's great to see you again after all this time. Thanks for all the memories we shared on and off the field.
"Wish you nothing but the best! Once a red always a red!". It was clear that Rooney was similarly left buzzing following the catch-up as he replied: "Great to see you mate. Special memories."
Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney met up for a catch-up in California (ch14_ / Instagram)The cordial relations between the pair may have come as a surprise to some observers, especially following some previous comments from Hernandez. In fact, describing how his departure from Old Trafford came about, the Mexican suggested Rooney was a key reason he left in 2014.
Going into more detail about the episode back in 2016, the former West Ham United striker did clarify that his ex-teammate had not done anything wrong. However, he did lay the blame at the door of then-manager Louis van Gaal, who had admitted that he preferred Rooney.
The LA Galaxy talisman said: "When I left, he [then-United manager Louis van Gaal] told me my chances and my opportunities were going to be less because his main striker was going to be Wayne Rooney. If he wasn’t fit, for example, I was going to play, but when he was ready, he would play."
Despite Rooney's presence bringing his Manchester United career to an end, Hernandez still has plenty of time for his former teammate. That was evident when they reunited in America.