The Daily Discussion - Carlos Tevez: Across the Manchester Divide

By Si Warner

I must confess that I did not quite appreciate the talent of the little Argentinian until he took the most expensive taxi ride across the city of Manchester, swiftly changing his red hairband for a blue version en route. And I believe this is where the problem lay: Carlos was rarely given a decent run in the side and was clearly stifled at Old Trafford having to play third fiddle to Roon & Ron. So, what should have been the deadliest strike force in world football never quite materialised. Or ever felt like it would.

　

Tevez scored 34 goals in just 76 starts while plying his trade at the Theatre of Dreams but had to settle with 26 substitute appearances. In fact, he started more European games on the bench than he did on the pitch. Maybe he was just too similar to Rooney with their movement and bullish style of play. By effectively replacing Tevez with Berbatov, United have installed a completely contrasting skill-set to Rooney that is now really beginning to blossom.

　

Although you never feel quite convinced Carlos will ever refer to Eastlands as "mi casa", he certainly is their talisman, their top marksman, their inspirational leader. El Capitan. Through desperation to impress at a congested Old Trafford, he often appeared slightly "headless" and it is only now at the City of Manchester that we are able to enjoy the real Carlos Tevez. Incredible ball retention, intelligent movement, sublime control, composed finishing, powerful running, relentless defending. In fact, only his inability to head a ball strips him of being the complete striker.

　

As much as they will never publicly confess this, I wonder how many Red Devils would actually rather Dimitar Berbatov was lining up alongside Carlos Tevez in a red shirt today?

Tevez & Berbatov both in the Red of United