Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson explained his thinking behind choosing Carlos Tevez ahead of Dimitar Berbatov for last night's victory over Arsenal. "We looked at it as a two-phase game," said Fergie. "Tevez has such great energy but no-one can keep that running up for 90 minutes.

"So there was always a moment when we were going to change that and bring on Berbatov, which we did with 25 minutes left."

Tevez started and finished the move that led to the corner from which John O'Shea scored.

A favourite Stretford End refrain is "Fergie, sign him up", in reference to United's failure to make permanent Tevez's loan deal which expires at the end of the season.

On this evidence there can be no more doubts over his future, whatever misgivings United may have over his £32m asking price.