Javier Hernandez has admitted he would return to Manchester United and play for free if given the opportunity.

United have started the 2022/23 season miserably with a 2-1 defeat at home to Brighton on Sunday.

If that wasn't underwhelming enough, they were then linked with 33-year-old Marko Arnautovic as a potential Cristiano Ronaldo replacement.

The deal for Arnautovic is now off but it's clear Erik ten Hag is looking for a stop-gap striker with doubts still surrounding the future of Ronaldo.

How about fan favourite, Hernandez?

Where is Javier Hernandez now?

The 34-year-old is currently playing in the MLS for LA Galaxy, scoring 29 goals in 57 appearances for the American club.

The Mexican spent several successful years at Old Trafford, bagging 59 goals despite being limited to largely substitute appearances.

But when asked whether he'd consider a return to the Theatre of Dreams, 'Chicharito' insisted he'd play for absolutely nothing.

“If United came for me then I’d say ‘yes, I’ll play for free.’ Of course, you know, I’d do that," he said.

“But I also want to be very respectful to my club. I am playing very consistently and in my mind my conviction is all about winning a championship with LA Galaxy.

“In the future, if things happen then they happen - but in my mind I am 100 percent with LA.”

While he's clearly willing to play for free, would Hernandez actually still be capable of playing at the very highest level?

Well, we saw a glimpse of just how good Hernandez still is during the MLS All-Star Challenge. The MLS All-Star Challenge pits 10 of the biggest MLS players against 10 marquee LIGA MX players in five events. The challenge took place on Tuesday night with MLS overcoming their Mexican opponents.

And Hernandez played a big role in the MLS victory.

He took part in the 'Cross & volley challenge' where he scored three goals in the allotted time - while also pulling some rather acrobatic attempts. He certainly didn't show any signs of ageing as he threw himself into overhead kicks and showed brilliant technique to pull off volleys.

VIDEO: Hernandez impresses in 'Cross & Volley Challenge'

Hernandez later won the competition for his side by hitting the crossbar in the 'Crossbar Challenge.'

VIDEO: Hernandez wins MLS All-Star Challenge for his side

He could definitely still do a job at United and, the fact he's willing to play for free, must tempt Ten Hag to make an offer.

Whether it's a possibility remains to be seen but you can't see many United fans being unhappy with the return of a cult hero.