Rio Ferdinand believes Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez carried a heavy burden while playing for Manchester United because he knew that he would never be first choice at Old Trafford.
Former United striker Hernandez, 28, was facing Premier League opposition again on Tuesday night as he featured for Bayer Leverkusen against Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League, but could not finish his chances in a 0-0 draw.
The Mexico international left the Red Devils in 2015 for Leverkusen after five years at the club in which he scored 57 goals in 159 appearances.
"I think, at Manchester United, he always felt there was someone else in front of him," former United defender Ferdinand told BT Sport.
"There was a Wayne Rooney, a Robin van Persie, there were strikers that he felt were always going to be number one, no matter what he did."
Hernandez, who was sent on loan to Real Madrid during his final season at United, signed for Leverkusen for £7.3 million on a three-year deal in 2015 and has since gone on to score 33 goals for the club.