Tevez forces Fergie rethink

Premier League

Thursday 4th December 2008

Tevez forces Fergie rethink

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted a brilliant performance from Carlos Tevez has provided him with a selection headache.

Tevez has found his Manchester United appearances restricted since the arrival of record signing Dimitar Berbatov at Old Trafford.

But Blackburn felt the full force of Tevez's frustration last night, the South American scoring at least three times - with a fourth still yet to be definitively credited to the Argentina forward - in an amazing 5-3 win which saw the Red Devils into this season's Carling Cup semi-finals.

And although the match's opening goal looked as though it may have gone in off Rovers defender Aaron Mokoena, both manager and player were claiming it as a Tevez strike.

"Carlos' commitment was absolutely brilliant," said Ferguson.

"It was a marvellous effort to get four goals.

"It definitely makes my job more difficult, although it also makes the club stronger."

Tevez was equally delighted with the outcome and hopes it will lead to more regular action.

"I am very proud to score four goals," said Tevez.

"It is the first time I have done it in my career and it is better because it came for Manchester United.

"I have not played very often, so I was looking forward to the game and I am happy with my performance."

Debate was still raging over Tevez's opener long after the final whistle.

Fortunately, the outcome of his far-post duel with Mokoena cannot cost Tevez a hat-trick as he netted from the penalty spot just after the break and thrashed home another at the end.

In between, Tevez finished off the move of the match, started by Ryan Giggs' majestic back-heel and involving a series of passes between Anderson and his fellow South American, who was presented with a tap-in.

Nani also got his name on the scoresheet even though United, just as they did against Hull a month ago, lost their concentration at 4-1.

They allowed their opponents to score twice, through a McCarthy second and one from Matt Derbyshire, and were, at one stage, fearing an equaliser.

"It was quite unbelievable at the end," said Sir Alex Ferguson.

"We created a lot of chances and we got a bit careless because we don't want to be losing goals like that. But overall I am quite pleased."

Ferguson could also reflect on the return of veteran midfielder Paul Scholes after two months out with a knee injury even if January's two-legged semi-final does not help United's fixture pile-up very much.

Paul Ince can only wish for such problems.

With only one win in 11 now, Ince is under intense pressure with the majority of supporters who did make the short journey venting their frustration at half-time.

"I said at half-time the next goal was important," said Ince.

"We did that, with a great finish from Benni (McCarthy), but then we gave away a penalty straight away.

"You can't do that at any level, never mind against Manchester United."

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