Juan Mata hopes Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez stays at Manchester United amid uncertainty over the striker's future.
Hernandez, 27, spent last season on loan at Real Madrid but returned to Old Trafford this summer ahead of the 2015-16 campaign.
The Mexico international said this month he is looking for consistent playing time next season, whether it is at United or another club.
"Chicharito still belongs to Manchester United and selfishly I'd like him to be with us," Mata told reporters in Mexico, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.
"He has scored goals in every team he has played in and is a very smart striker.
"Chicharito is a great friend. When I arrived to Manchester he behaved great with me. He is a great person and a great professional. I've been lucky enough to share a dressing room with Chicharito, whom I admire."
Hernandez, who signed for United from Guadalajara in 2010, scored seven goals in 23 La Liga appearances for Real last season.