Fergie 1 Olympics 0: United boss wins first battle as Hernandez is omitted from Mexico squad

Withdrawn: Javier Hernandez will not play at the Olympics

Sir Alex Ferguson has won his first battle of the Olympics after omitting Javier Hernandez from Mexico's squad.
The Manchester United manager, who could potentially lose the likes of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling to Team GB this summer, struck an agreement with the Mexican Football Association.
The striker, who turns 24 on June 1, was selected as one of Mexico's three over-aged players for the Games and was even touted as the nation's flag bearer for the July 27 Opening Ceremony in Stratford.

Fergie's Olympic headaches?

TEAM GB POSSIBLES...
Jonny Evans, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Michael Owen
AND THE REST...
David De Gea (Spain), Rafael Da Silva, Fabio Da Silva (both Brazil)

But Ferguson raised concerns that Hernandez, who was struggled to emulate his stunning debut season this term, would be shy of the 28 days rest he requires his players to take during the close season should he feature at the Games.
'His form last season was fantastic,' said the United boss.
'He’s found the second year more difficult, but a lot of that is down to not having a summer break for three years and playing every summer for his country.

Battle: Sir Alex Ferguson could potentially lose the likes of Wayne Rooney and Phil Jones to Team GB

'Next year he will be fine as we have agreed with the Mexican Football Association that he is going to get the requisite rest that he needs to perform in the Premier League.'
Mexico team president Hector Gonzalez-Inarritu confirmed: '[Sir] Alex Ferguson has denied the participation of Javier Hernandez at the Olympic Games.'
Although the forward won't be part of the Olympics team, Hernandez will play in Mexico's upcoming World Cup qualifiers at the beginning of June.

Contenders: David De Gea (centre) and Chris Smalling (right) could feature

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Thursday, 10 May 2012