Alex Ferguson has admitted Manchester United are in a position of weakness because of Carlos Tevez’s complicated loan arrangement.
Tevez is in contention to face Tottenham at Old Trafford this evening but it appears his United days are coming to an end because of a perceived lack of opportunities.
Ferguson has not given up hope of keeping the South American. But his bargaining position is not helped by the knowledge Tevez can walk away at the end of the season to take up any of the lucrative offers bound to come his way.
“We are vulnerable because of the loan situation, there is no question about that,” said Ferguson.
“It is the weakness and when he is questioned by journalists it is loaded towards that. It can lead him into saying things he doesn’t really believe or mean.”
Tevez arrived under a loan arrangement with adviser Kia Joorabchian which was sanctioned by the Premier League.
An agreed price – believed to be around £30m – needs to be paid at the end of the season for United to seal Tevez’s registration.