Ferguson urges Tevez compromise

Pa Sport
Sunday 17 May 2009 10:10 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir Alex Ferguson believes compromise is the only way to resolve the Carlos Tevez situation after branding the demands put to Manchester United as "unrealistic".

The striker's future has been under the spotlight with United fans urging the club to keep the Argentinian following the end of his two-year loan spell this summer.

But a deal has so far not been agreed, with Tevez unhappy at the amount of time he has spent on the bench this season.

The former West Ham player has claimed the 11-time Premier League champions have "lacked respect" towards him and appeared to wave goodbye to the Old Trafford crowd yesterday when he was substituted.

The Red Devils boss has always maintained he wishes to keep Tevez but insists the club has to act sensibly in a time of financial uncertainty.

He told the Sunday Times: "The demands originally put to us were unrealistic.

"Like other clubs, we have to be aware of the consequences of the credit crunch.

"It's no time to be careless about money.

"As far as Tevez is concerned, everybody would be best served by a willingness to compromise."

Cristiano Ronaldo's future in the north-west is questioned every year with the Portuguese consistently linked with Real Madrid.

Ferguson, though, believes the winger will remain at Old Trafford.

"The indications I'm getting from the dressing room is are that the other players don't feel he is behaving as if he's discontented.

"Obviously you can't stop people pressing him with offers but we have handled that the best way we can.

"His contract with us runs until 2012 and we are in the driving seat."

United meet Barcelona in Rome a week on Wednesday as they attempt to become the first side to retain the Champions League title.

Ferguson believes the Spanish side will present more of a danger than Chelsea who were seconds away from victory in the semi-final.

"Chelsea would have presented the more straightforward challenge, one we've learned how to deal with over the past year or two," the Scot continued.

"The way Barcelona operate their midfield makes it very difficult to get the ball off them.

"I don't think (Andres) Iniesta and Xavi have ever given it away in their lives.

"They get you on that carousel and they can leave you dizzy.

"Your concentration levels can't be allowed to falter for a second.

"But, with the right tactics, their game is containable."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in