Sir Alex Ferguson thinks Carlos Tevez is trying too hard
to impress at Manchester United.
The Argentina international has been the odd man out since the
arrival of Dimitar Berbatov and Ferguson felt the former West Ham
striker did not gel with the Bulgarian when given a chance to forge
a partnership against The Hammers on Wednesday night.
Although United won 2-0, Ferguson was disappointed his side did
not push on and is still adamant his team is not bringing the best
out of Berbatov, who produced a sublime piece of skill to tee up
Cristiano Ronaldo's second goal.
Ahead of the clash with Hull City, the Red Devils boss has
hinted he will give Tevez and Berbatov another chance to work
together although Wayne Rooney is champing at the bit.
"Berbatov has got five goals already this season and some of his
awareness and passing ability in the last third of the field is
absolutely outstanding," explained Ferguson.
"I still don't think we're using him enough, I really don't.
More so on Wednesday, in fact.
"I wanted to see how the combination of Berbatov and Tevez was
together but Carlos was so wound up to do well himself they became
two different parts.
"I think they'll be far better tomorrow, if I pick them, but
Carlos is so keen to do well as he's been out for a few games and
he used up so much energy trying to do well.
"It's not a bad thing to try too hard."
Ferguson refuted the suggestion that Berbatov does not have a
good work-rate and is convinced there is plenty more to come from
the big-money signing from Tottenham.
"The stats don't show that," asserted the Scot. "His stats are
good.
"I think, like a lot of talented players like that, he's
economic with his running ability.
"He's got very economical movement in finding spaces and he pops
up where defenders don't like you to pop up. I always thought that
about him when he played against us with Tottenham. Why is he in
that position and why has nobody picked him up? Things like
that.
"He has great awareness for getting into good spaces in the
penalty box."