Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is confident Carlos Tevez will be "surprised" by his reception from fans if he makes Manchester City's team for the derby. Tevez accused Ferguson of disrespect, while the United boss continues to claim the South American had decided to leave the Red Devils long before the campaign reached its conclusion.
Providing he overcomes a knee injury, the former West Ham star returns to Old Trafford as a City player for the first time this weekend, hoping to receive a warm reception from the home supporters.
The mere thought brings a smile to Ferguson's face.
"He will get a surprise," said Ferguson.
"It is a different culture nowadays. It is very emotional."
The row could easily have been avoided if only United had been a bit quicker coughing up the £24million required to turn Tevez's 'lease' arrangement with Kia Joorabchian into a permanent deal.
Quite apart from whether Tevez was worth the money, Ferguson is convinced there was no chance of such a move being satisfactory to either the player or Kia Joorabchian.
"We made an offer that was well in the compass of the player's ability," he said.
"When I read now that it is not £24million, it is £47million, there is no way we could even think about that.
"I thought £24million was the figure. Obviously it wasn't. They had obviously agreed it long before the end of the season.
"That goes without saying because they never came back to us."
