Hugo Sanchez has told new signing Javier Hernandez the only way he will win a regular start for Real Madrid is to keep scoring goals.

The Mexico striker, who moved to Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on a season-long loan from Manchester United on transfer deadline day, came off the bench to hit a late brace in the 8-2 hammering of promoted Deportivo La Coruna at Estadio Municipal de Riazor on Saturday.

Los Blancos legend Sanchez, who scored 208 goals in 282 matches for the club between 1985 and 1992, described his countryman as a “phenomenon” and said he could prove to be a shrewd signing by coach Carlo Ancelotti.

“He scored two great goals and I’m sure he will score many in Madrid,” Sanchez told AS.

“He’s a phenomenon. [He is] very fast, intuitive, with movement and speed and he shoots well with his left and his right and his head.”

Competition for places in attack for the La Liga title-chasers is rife under Ancelotti, but Sanchez said there was no reason why Hernandez could not challenge the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez for more starts.

“He is a player who intercepts the opponent very well and visualises what’s happening next,” he said. “What he needs to win a place under Carlo Ancelotti is what he did at Riazor. Confidence comes with goals.

“When he’s given more time and more chances, hopefully he will be as effective as is required in Madrid.

“In this team there are enough chances created and that will help.”

Real Madrid host Elche in the Spanish capital on Tuesday and are currently priced 1.07 in the match betting, while the draw is quoted 9.60. The away win outcome is available to back at 32.00.