Well heeled: Substitute Carlos Tevez celebrates his
back-flick equaliser against Wigan.
Sir Alex Ferguson last night watched Manchester United
move within a point of another Barclays Premier League title after
a dramatic victory at Wigan, then offered renewed hope that striker
Carlos Tevez can be persuaded to stay at Old Trafford.
'He knows I want him to stay,' said the United manager last
night, much to the delight of the club's fans.
The reigning champions need only a draw at home to
Arsenal on Saturday or away at Hull on the season's final day to
retain their title and match rivals Liverpool's record haul of 18
Championships.
Trailing 1-0 at half time at the JJB Stadium last night, United
recovered in spectacular style to equalise through Tevez then
clinch three points with a Michael Carrick winner four minutes from
the end of normal time.
Tevez's goal was his second in four days, even though he vowed
to leave the club on Sunday due to his failure to nail down a
regular place.
United manager Ferguson said last night: 'The situation has not
affected Carlos at all. He knows I want him to stay. 'I had another
chat with him about it today and our chief executive, David Gill,
had other meetings as well. I'm sure it has progressed further.
'The terms we have offered Carlos are good, so we will see.'
However, a spokesman for Tevez's adviser Kia Joorabchian said last
night: 'It is true David Gill came to see Mr Joorabchian and they
had a cordial meeting.
'It is categorically untrue that Manchester United made an offer
to try and persuade Carlos Tevez to stay at the club. In 2007 they
agreed a two-year loan for Carlos and at the same time agreed the
terms that would make the transfer permanent. They have not taken
up that option.
