Sir Alex Ferguson has sought to reassure Carlos Tevez he
remains an integral part of his Manchester United side despite his
infrequent opportunities at present.
While the Argentina international started Wednesday night’s 2-0
home win over West Ham, the arrival of Dimitar Berbatov has
impacted on his first team chances considerably and Tevez has
failed to start seven of the 11 games since the signing of the
Bulgarian.
It has been suggested that Real Madrid are closely following
Tevez’s situation given he is currently in the second year of a
two-year loan, but United are in talks with MSI regarding a
permanent deal and hopeful of signing the forward on a long-term
basis.
Ferguson is determined to keep hold of the three time South
American Footballer of the Year and has held talks with the player
to reassure him of his role in the title-chasing side.
"I sat down with him only last week to stress that our faith in
him is absolute, that he remains a top player in the eyes of
myself, the players and our supporters," said Ferguson in The
Guardian.
"It's just that three players won't fit into two positions and
my job is to balance the team. It could be done against certain
opposition, but it isn't the real solution and we are doing so well
I don't want to meddle too much.
“Carlos understands this and I have explained that when the
season really hots up we will need everyone.
"Our attackers have been drawing all the attention, with Rooney
having the time of his life and striking up a fine partnership with
Berbatov. But my thoughts have probably centred on the forward who
has been the odd man out.
“I am thinking of Carlos and the fact that I have not started
him in as many games as he would like. But Carlos remains as
important as the guys who have been hogging the headlines."
It was Cristiano Ronaldo who stole the show against West Ham on
Wednesday night as the Portugal star scored twice at Old Trafford
to keep United within eight points of league leaders Liverpool and
with a game in hand.
Ferguson was unhappy that his side passed up the chance to
improve their goal difference in the second half though.
“I wanted us to add more goals because that could be important
at the end of the season,” said Ferguson.
“But we took our foot off the pedal and played a couple of gears
below what we were capable of. We were too relaxed for me.”