"I never expected my first year to go so well

[ldh2013]

MANCHESTER, England - Javier Hernandez has signed a new contract with Manchester United, tying the Mexico striker to the Premier League side until the end of the 2015-16 season. . United said Monday that the 23-year-old Hernandez, who was initially signed from Chivas in July 2010 only as a long-term prospect, had committed to a five-year deal. "Chicharito" scored on his United debut against Chelsea and has amassed 23 goals in 55 appearances, helping United win a record 19th English league title and reach the Champions League final. He replaced Dimitar Berbatov in the starting lineup last season and earned high praise from manager Alex Ferguson. "The last player I remember making an impact as big and as quickly as Javier is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and he reminds me of Ole a lot," Ferguson said. "His talent for creating space in the box and his finishing ability mark him out as a natural goal scorer. "Off the pitch, he is a pleasure to manage. He works very hard and is a popular member of the squad." Hernandez said he never imagined he would have so much success so early with United, which trails leader Manchester City by five points in the Premier League after losing 6-1 to its local rival on Sunday. "Playing for Manchester United has been a dream come true for me," Hernandez said. "I never expected my first year to go so well and Im delighted to commit my future to United. To win a title and appear in a Champions League final was fantastic. "Im looking forward to helping my teammates as we bid to win more trophies for this great club." . -- Lakers forward Pau Gasol has won the J. .The sixth-ranked Mount Allison Mounties and No. 3 Marauders will bring very similar styles to McMasters Ron Joyce Stadium on Saturday for the Vanier Cup semifinal. .C. -- Mike Krzyzewski may have poured too much emotion into No.Admitting to being frustrated earlier in the season when his club was being severely outplayed and outshot on an almost nightly basis, goaltender Jonathan Bernier said he thinks the main reasons for the Leafs recent turnaround -- which has included eight wins in their last 10 games -- have been a better effort level combinned with improved play from the teams specialty units. . I think in this league if you dont work hard, most nights youre not gonna to win, Bernier said while appearing Friday on TSN 1050. I think our level of compete is way higher right now. Bernier: Improved compete-level key to Leafs turnaround ' ' '