Empics

Carlos Tevez: United future in doubt

Tevez was on the scoresheet again tonight, grabbing the all-important equaliser as United secured a 2-1 win at Wigan Athletic to move within a point of another league championship.

The glee on Tevez's face suggested he was a happy man, with United boss Ferguson then claiming an offer had been lodged in discussion with the South American that he hoped would be accepted.

However, Tevez's advisor Kia Joorabchian immediately responded with a statement of his own, hinting the Argentina star no longer wishes to remain at Old Trafford.

In a statement released by Joorabchian said: ''It is true (chief executive) 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 to persuade Carlos Tevez to stay at the club.

''In 2007 Manchester United agreed a two-year loan deal for Carlos Tevez and at the same time agreed the terms that would make the transfer permanent. They have not taken up that option.''

Joorabchian's stance will not endear him to the United support, who chanted 'Fergie, sign him up' when Tevez found the net with an impudent back-flick minutes after his introduction as a substitute.

''The fans love him because he is a trier,'' said Ferguson. ''He has great skill, of course, but he never gives in and that is a great quality to have. He has a hunger to fight all the time. It is wonderful to see.

''David Gill has had a good meeting and I have spoken to him. We have given him an offer and we hope he accepts. The problem is we are not negotiating with a football club.''

Tevez originally arrived on a two-year loan deal, which gave United an option to buy his registration this summer.

However, dealing with Joorabchian has proved to be a difficult process and Wednesday night's development hardly indicates it is going to get easy, especially as Tevez's advisor knows his player has many suitors.

For United, those problems will be shelved on Saturday if they get a point from their home match with Arsenal.

It would mean that for only the second time during Ferguson's spell in charge, the Red Devils would clinch the title in front of their own fans.

''We still have a job to do,'' said Ferguson. ''I have not listened to all the criticism Arsenal are getting. This is a good Arsenal team and we will need to be at our best to beat them.''

Michael Carrick's 87th-minute strike ensured United do not actually have to win, while condemning Wigan to a ninth defeat in nine meetings with United.

It had looked so good at half-time as the Latics led through the excellent Hugo Rodallega. But the Col****ian's efforts proved to be in vain, leaving Wigan manager Steve Bruce still without a win against his old club.

''I think I will just give up now,'' he smiled ruefully. ''At half-time we had a chance and were doing really well. But this is what happens against United.''