Hernandez joining Man U after getting work permit

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Mexican forward Javier Hernandez is joining Manchester United from Chivas after being granted a work permit by the British authorities.

Hernandez, on his nation’s World Cup roster, is the first Mexican player to join the 18-time English champions.

He already has passed a medical examination and agreed to a contract. Convincing Britain’s Home Office to allow him to work here was the last hurdle to be cleared.

Hernandez is joining United on July 1, but the 21-year-old forward will be allowed time off after the World Cup.

His first game for the Red Devils is set to be at former club Chivas on July 30 in an exhibition to open the new 45,000-seat stadium in Guadalajara.

Hernandez is known in Mexico by his nickname “Chicharito,” which translates roughly as “little sweet pea.”