Football Talk - Ferguson coy on Tevez talk - 11/05/09
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson refused to answer questions about the future of Carlos Tevez following the Argentinian's starring role in Sunday's 2-0 win over Manchester City.
The 25-year-old has admitted he thinks he will leave United when his loan spell ends in the summer because he has not been offered a new contract.
"I didn't read any of the papers. He's a Manchester United player," Ferguson said. Tevez is a firm favourite among United fans, who have made no secret of their desire for him to stay at Old Trafford.
"They love a trier and that's exactly what he is," added Ferguson. But when pressed, the United boss refused to answer further questions on Tevez, despite the player voicing his concerns in the papers.
"I am very sad about this but I guess what I'm saying is goodbye," the striker told the News of the World. "I don't think I'll be a United player next season. I've done everything I possibly can but they have never made me an offer or given me a contract. I have not been treated as a member of the family. The fans treat me like family but United have not signed me so they don't respect me as a footballer."
Tevez joined United in the 2007 close season on a two-year loan deal but his first English club was West Ham.
"I still have the same hunger and I will give my all to win the last two trophies we are chasing so I can move on knowing I have done everything for the team. Things have changed dramatically this season. I was dropped but didn't perform badly. Sir Alex never gave me an explanation but I never asked him for one because it is not in my character."
Tevez said he would not rule out moving to one of United's Premier League rivals at the end of the season. "I would like to thank the United fans for their support, they will always have a special place in my heart," he commented. "If I was a United fan I wouldn't want to see their player in any other shirt but I think they will accept I've done everything I can."
Manchester City have been mooted as possible contenders for his signature but manager Mark Hughes was reticent to discuss the speculation. "He was a thorn in our side [on Sunday]," said Hughes. "I thought he played exceptionally well and he scored with an exceptional strike. I've read the reports about his situation but I don't want to comment on a United player."
