Hernandez scores with his face in Man U debut
Javier Hernandez of Manchester United celebrates as he scores their second goal during the FA Community Shield match between Chelsea and Manchester United. (Aug. 8, 2010) Credit: Getty Images
WEMBLEY, England (AP) — Javier Hernandez scored in his English debut on a play that was anything but graceful to help Manchester United beat Chelsea 3-1 in the Community Shield — the English soccer season’s traditional opener.
The Mexico striker stumbled as he met Antonio Valencia’s cross, kicking the ball into his own face before it drifted into the net in the 76th minute.
“It’s unbelievable to score and win this match,” said Hernandez, a second-half substitute. “It’s an unusual goal I scored, I kicked the ball to my face and it went in.”
Valencia had put United ahead 41 minutes into Sunday’s game after racing to Wayne Rooney’s low cross. Dimitar Berbatov scored in stoppage time to finish the victory.
Chelsea’s Salomon Kalou scored in the 83rd minute, getting the rebound after Edwin van der Sar stopped Daniel Sturridge’s shot.
This is the third time in four years Manchester United has won the Community Shield. Chelsea won last year and went on to end the Manchester side’s three-year grip on the Premier League trophy.
United was limited to winning the League Cup last season, but resisted a major overhaul of the squad. The only players to join the team were Hernandez and 20-year-old defender Chris Smalling from Fulham.
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