Manchester United saved millions by signing Mexican striker Javier Hernandez before he shone at the World Cup, manager Alex Ferguson said on Monday.

Hernandez, who joined his new teammates in Houston on Monday, could make his United debut in Wednesday's game against the MLS All-stars.

Ferguson, who will wait for news on the 22-year-old's fitness before deciding whether to play him, paid tribute to the club's scouts, who plucked the forward from Mexican club Chivas de Guadalajara.

"I think our scouting people deserve 10 out of 10 for identifying him before the World Cup, and I think if we had been trying to negotiate after the World Cup it would have been very difficult," Ferguson said.

"I think a lot of teams would have been after him and it would probably have cost us two or three times more," he added.

United did not disclose the transfer fee it paid to Chivas, but media reports have placed the deal as worth around 7 million pounds ($10.81 million), including United playing a friendly in Mexico on Friday.

Ferguson was full of praise for the Mexican club for helping keep the deal quiet.

"Our relationship we have built with Chivas has been excellent, they really were very accommodating in everything. The amazing thing was that no-one in the club said a word.

"At Manchester United, we find that almost impossible, News always leaks out at our club, but Chivas kept it quiet which was marvelous asset for us and full marks for their professionalism."

Hernandez will play half that game for Chivas and half for his new club, but his debut may come earlier in front of thousands of Mexican fans in Houston.

"He joined us today and so we have to ascertain what he has been doing in the last few weeks physically. We would like to use him in part of the game on Wednesday - partly because I know there is a big Mexican population in Houston and it would be a very exciting attraction for them," Ferguson said.

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