Sir Alex Ferguson described new signing Javier Hernandez as "first class" after the striker scored against Manchester United as they went down to a 3-2 defeat by Chivas Guadalajara on the final game of their Americas tour.

Hernandez played the first half for his old club and the second for his new side and made an immediate impact as he netted after just eight minutes, to the delight of the crowd at the new Estadio Omnilife.

Chris Smalling, another United new boy, levelled two minutes later but Adolfo Bautista re-established the lead for the hosts after 38 minutes and Hector Reynoso made it 3-1 just before the hour mark, before Nani pulled one back in the 79th minute.

Ferguson praised the striker, known as Chicharito, saying: "Chicharito was first class.

"His goal for Chivas was a marvellous strike. He showed his real qualities.

"Chivas played very well and they were very quick. They pressed the ball well and made things difficult for us. They deserved to win.

"As for us, we've been away for three weeks. We've done lots of travelling and I think the players need to go home and rest now."

After completing the first 45 minutes for the Mexican side, Hernandez changed teams and played for United until the hour mark.

"It was always my intention to give him only 15 minutes of the second half as he is in the process of recovering from the World Cup," Ferguson added.

"He will now do some fitness training and endurance work when he arrives in Manchester and he will play more games."

The Scot has been impressed by Hernandez in his first week of training with the Reds and has predicted a bright future for the player.

"Chicharito has done really well.

"The players have all remarked how good he is and what a great finisher he is - I think there are similarities between him and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

"The players are all supportive of him and have welcomed him to the club. I think he has a great future with us."

As for Hernandez's role in the team, Ferguson added: "The 4-3-3 formation suits us in some games, particularly in Europe because it's important to guard against the counter-attack and keep possession.

"I think Chicharito can play as a lone striker, there's no question about that. He did it in the World Cup for Mexico. But there are big possibilities of a partnership with Wayne Rooney and other players."

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