In a warning to prospective empoyers, Manchester United forward Carlos Tevez today claimed that the signing of Dimitar Berbatov was the begining of the end of his time at Old Trafford. Speaking after rejecting the offer of a five year deal at Old Trafford, Tevez complained that the Bulgarian’s arrival at United in the summer of 2008 made him feel negletted at the club. Tevez’ two year loan deal at the club runs out on June 30.
“I did not feel supported after they signed Berbatov because I was the man for the job he was bought to do,” complained Tevez.
“Ferguson told me not be worried about Berbatov’s arrival, but I did not like it when he started to put me on the bench often.
“Last year, I was the second top-scorer after Cristiano Ronaldo. We won two titles and being shut out like this was something that I could not understand.
“When I arrived I had to fight for a place like any other player. But in my second year, after the match against Liverpool, the coach started to overlook me.
“The fans supported me a lot so I thought that something was going on as my performances were also good.
“I gave my life for the Manchester United shirt,” the very much alive Tevez lied in conclussion.
While Tevez is not the first, nor the last, player to complain about not starting every game its something he’ll probably have to get used to. In fact, unless the Argentinian suprises everybody and moves to one of the ‘smaller’ clubs, he will come up against a squad system almost everwhere.
Indeed, Tevez’ probable employers Manchster City already boast Robinho, Craig Belemy, and Roque Santa Cruz – and quite possibly Samuel Eto’o by the time the season kicks off on August 15. Tevez may get even less time on the pitch next season. Will he slap in a transfer request? Unlikely.
Moreover, the facts do not support Tevez’ position, who made 34 starts and 17 more appearancs from the bench last season. Meanwhile Berbatov made 36 starts, with seven more from the bench, and Wayne Rooney 39 starts, with 10 from the bench. Hardly being dramatically overlooked in favour of other players. It doesn’t help Tevez’ argument that he was actually third top goalscorer – not second as he claims – behind both Ronaldo and Rooney. And there were just five scored in the Premier League.
Of course there is one number where Tevez is set to propser – the £160,000 per week that City will pay him over the next five years. But let’s not let the facts get in the way of a good story, Carlos.
I have mentioned these statistics from Blog United before:
Minutes played per goal scored: Berba – 282 mins/goal in the EPL, 123 mins/goal in the CL; Tevez – 372 mins/goal in the EPL, 196 mins/goal in the CL. This does not even take into account assists where Berba is also infinitely better than Tevez. Also: ManU wins when Berba starts – 81%; ManU wins when Tevez starts – 62% (and Tevez complains that he starts only in games against weak opponents).
Berba is useless – has he scored one meaningful goal – sorry I can’t remember – please remind me of one meaningful goal that Berba scored – and if he did score it – who set it up
160 grand a week! ..i’d just do a week maybe two.
I think Tevez was referring to the 07/08 season, when he was actually second top goalscorer with I think one more than Rooney. In all fairness that season their partnership and Ronaldo’s amazing form meant United were more enjoyable to watch than with Berbatov in the team. A settled and first choice Tevez in 08/09 may well have contributed more.
Yep. Agreed with Sid. Tevez was referring to the previuos season when the trinity was phenomenal. I can understand his frustration but he should move on cos the club certainly has.
Good luck Carlitos.
Any chance of taking down the Tevez pictures.
I cant stand looking at that ugly cunts mug anymore!