Sir Alex Ferguson sprung a surprise last April when it was announced the unknown Mexican was signing from Chivas of Guadalajara after the World Cup.
The happy-go-lucky striker had not appeared once on the speculation radar as the guessing game over new Red imports reached an end-of-season crescendo.
But United had been quietly keeping tabs on the player known as Chicharito for a year.
And when the hitman himself was let in on the secret he couldn't contain his emotions.
Jim Lawlor (United's chief scout) spoke to me about a year ago. He said he'd been watching me play for Chivas de Guadalajara and told me United were interested, so I was very excited, recalls the 22-year-old.
Before that he had spoken to my father, and when my father told me the news I cried because I couldn't believe it.
As a kid in Mexico, my dream was to play for the best team in Mexico and then move to Europe. But to be told not just any European team, but Manchester United, were interested, was unbelievable.
It's really amazing how much my whole life has changed. I played a lot of games in Mexico, went to a World Cup and now have this incredible opportunity at United. It's unbelievable and I'm thankful to all the people who believed in me, especially my family, without whom I would not be here.
Chicharito comes from footballing stock as both his father and grandfather were Mexican internationals.
His father, however, didn't actually believe that Little Pea' would make it as a professional. And Chicharito himself also had serious doubts just 18 months before United came in for him.
But his strong family ties enabled him to overcome his self-doubts.
Early days
I was not getting many opportunities in the Chivas first team, which led me to ask myself Is this the life I want to lead?' he added.
I questioned whether I was good enough to make it as a footballer.
But I talked with my family, who said I needed to be patient, work hard and enjoy all the things involved in the game, not just playing in matches but going to training, resting, media work everything that comes with this profession. When you're playing it's about learning to accept the bad times as well as enjoying the good. Confidence is all part of football.
My father and grandfather talk to me about all aspects of the game and what to expect as a footballer in the future, so I can be alert and prepared. It's nice to have two great former players and coaches in my house!
Reds boss Fergie also helped to instil that confidence in Chicharito once he joined the Old Trafford payroll.
I've been telling the media in Mexico about him. He's like a sir', a gentlemen both during matches and away from the game, said the striker.
That's why I think he'll be regarded as the greatest manager in the modern era. When I first met him he just told me to enjoy myself here. That helped to take any pressure off me, so now I can concentrate on working hard and trying to play well.
Chicharito made an immediate impression with a goal in the Community Shield against Chelsea at Wembley.
But it was his spell of five goals in six matches in late-September and October that really saw his Reds career get off the ground.
A goal against West Brom helped earn a point. Two at the Britannia Stadium secured victory against Stoke and he clinched a Carling Cup quarter-final place with a late winner against Wolves.
But the youngster is not going to burden himself with goal promises.
I never set myself a goals target. The most important thing for all of us is that the team wins it doesn't matter who scores the goals, he said.
And personally, as long as I am performing to the best of my ability, have the right attitude and do what the manager tells me, I am happy.
Of course I want to play as much as possible and to help the team win.
If I score goals on the way that's a bonus. I have no long-term goals my focus is only on helping the team win as many trophies as possible.
I just need to work hard, be patient and enjoy my football. Whether I'm playing, on the bench or not in the squad, I have to keep supporting the team.
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Source: Manchester Evening News
Source: M.E.N.