In the absence of first choice centre-forward Karim Benzema, Javier Hernandez will lead the line for Real Madrid tonight as they take on local rivals Atletico Madrid in the second leg of a Champions League quarter-final.

It will be a huge honour for the Mexico international, who described his loan move to the Bernabeu as 'fulfilling a dream' in the summer, in only his fifth competitive start for his adoptive club.

Yet, the backdrop of lingering ambiguity over Chicarito's future is hard to ignore. A stellar performance this evening could change opinions at both United and Real regarding his summer fate; a dismal display has the potential to do the same.

But currently, the 26 year-old finds himself at a career crossroads, paying the price for two abrupt changes in management at Old Trafford. For his three Premier League campaigns under Sir Alex Ferguson, Hernandez hit double figures despite predominantly featuring from the bench. Under David Moyes, he finished last term with just nine goals in all competitions - four of which were in the League Cup - whilst Louis van Gaal seemed completely apathetic towards the Mexican poacher last summer, letting him leave for the Spanish capital without putting up much of a fight.

Apart from that, in my opinion, Hernandez hasn't done an awful lot wrong. His performances ranged from average to anonymous last season, but that description could be applied to virtually every Manchester United player during the maligned Moyes era. It hasn't gone fantastically for him at the Bernabeu either - just five goals in 24 outings - but countless Real Madrid goal-scorers have struggled playing second fiddle (or in this case, third fiddle) to Cristiano Ronaldo over the last six years.

And the Mexico international still has a lot to offer Manchester United. He's at his most alive when in the box - that remains indisputable - but Chicarito's pace would bring a new dynamic to a front-line that's desperately lacked threat in behind opposition defences for much of the season.

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Likewise, speculation suggests United could be parting with two of their three strikers this summer, Robin van Persie apparently on his way to Inter Milan and Radamel Falcao's costly loan move unlikely to be made a permanent one - whilst it remains to be seen whether Wayne Rooney's long-term future lies up front or in midfield.

Resultantly, the Red Devils have been linked with some major names, particularly Edinson Cavani and Robert Lewandowksi, but if LVG plans on changing his entire strikeforce in a single transfer window, retaining Chicarito as a back-up option is a far cheaper solution with less capacity for transitional teething pains.

That being said, there are some inevitable realities that can't be ignored. Louis van Gaal adores his 'multi-functional' footballers, capable of playing in a variety of positions and contributing to as many phases of play as possible, and Chicarito simply isn't one of them. His instincts in the box border upon world class, but they're juxtaposed by a lack of contribution to build-up play and overall, rather ordinary technical quality.

Furthermore, the striker's contract is set to expire in summer 2016, so offering him another chance at Old Trafford next season could result in him leaving for nothing at the campaign's end. Many United players will find themselves in a similar position this summer  - Rafael, Ashley Young and Robin van Persie, for example - but Hernandez' marketability makes him a more profitable departee than most.

As a third-generation Mexico international, the striker boasts an enormous media profile in the Americas - something aided further by the definitive name 'Chicarito' across the back of his jersey. Knowing any potential suitor could resultantly make much of their investment back in shirt sales alone, United could still command £10million-£15million for their former super-sub.

And thus, we reach the crux of the debate; largely, a footballing decision vs a business one. Hernandez is by no means a typical Louis van Gaal player, but he's given everybody a chance this term and quite a few, such as Marouane Fellaini and Ashley Young, have proved him completely wrong. I believe he'd offer Hernandez the same privilege - if only there were a few more years remaining on his contract.

Maybe tonight's performance will sway some opinions within the United hierarchy, but with head ruling over heart, deserving so or not, it's highly unlikely Hernandez will get one more chance at Old Trafford next term.

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