Javier Hernandez
Reuters

Former Manchester United assistant manager Rene Meulensteen has admitted that David Moyes could lose Javier Hernandez to the Premier League rivals, if the Mexican international fails to feature regularly for the Red Devils.

The 25-year-old has started only one league game under Moyes and his lack of playtime has seen him being linked with a move away from Old Trafford. Arsenal and their north London rivals Tottenham Hotpsur have reportedly stepped up their interest in the striker.

Moyes has fielded Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney as the first choice strikes to lead United's attack. With the Dutchman and the England international featuring regularly, it is unlikely that Hernandez could get more playtime under his belt.

"Javier Hernandez is a fantastic striker. Wherever he pops up he will score goals. With Hernandez, having Robin van Persie in that position means sometimes you will fall short," Meulensteen told talkSPORT.

"That's why it's so important that, at the right time, you mix up the combinations and that all these players feel like they contribute to the competitions that you play in."

"If Hernandez comes to an age where he thinks he wants regular football and he can get into another top team in the Premier League then I can see him considering it, but it's not easy leaving Manchester United," he added.

Hernandez has seen his appearances being restricted after the arrival of the former Arsenal skipper at Old Trafford last summer. In Sir Alex Ferguson's final season at the club, the Mexican striker started only nine games in the league compared to 18 starts during the 2011/12 season.

The striker received offers from Spain as Valencia were keen on signing Hernandez in the summer. However, he was keen on proving his worth at United after the Mexican's agent earlier admitted that United star had rejected an offer from the La Liga outfit.

Despite the lack of first team appearances, Moyes admitted that Hernandez is part of his plan at Old Trafford and has no intention to allow the striker leave the club.

"We need Javier Hernandez; he's very good for us. He's scored a lot of goals over the last few years and continues to do so, so we'll continue to use him," Moyes explained.