There has been considerable speculation over Tevez's contract
situation at Old Trafford in the past few months, inasmuch as
he is yet to be offered one.
The 24-year-old forward is in the last year of his loan spell
from Media Sports Investments, the third-party firm which owns the
player's rights, and there are question marks as to
whether the Red Devils can match the £34 million asking
price.
Furthermore, the summer arrival of Dimitar Berbatov has not only
depleted Sir Alex Ferguson's transfer kitty but has also given
Tevez another superstar striker to compete with.
And Maradona revealed that his protege is concerned that his
limited first-team opportunities at United will harm his prospects
with Argentina.
"Tevez is worried about not being in United’s first-choice
team," the World Cup-winning legend said in The
Sun.
"He’s got a challenge ahead of him to win himself a place among
lots of extremely good players, including Wayne Rooney and Dimitar
Berbatov.
"But I saw he was in good shape and told him that the best way
of showing his ability is to win the arm-wrestle against all the
other players.
"Then he’ll give himself a good chance with the Argentine
team."
To most neutrals, the idea of Carlos Tevez warming the United
bench and missing out on international selection is ludicrous - but
such is the depth of the European champions' and los
Albicelestes' squads.
With Lionel Messi, Diego Milito, Sergio Aguero, Ezequiel
Lavezzi, German Denis and the like all vying for a place in
Argentina's forward-line, any extended absence from the spotlight
could see Tevez slip well down the pecking order.
However, Maradona is confident that the former Boca Juniors star
will receive plenty of opportunities to nail down a regular spot in
Manchester.
He added: "I believe in his ability and I know he features in
Sir Alex Ferguson’s plans."
