Superstar benchwarmer is prepared to leave Manchester

In this week’s Shortlist magazine, Lionel Messi sings the praises of Argentinean teammate Carlos Tevez, drawing attention to his indifference about sitting on those lovely comfy Audi seats at Old Trafford:

He is very funny and always in a good mood. He never gets mad. If he has to sit on the bench, he just sits there and encourages his teammates.

In an interview published in today’s Sun, however, Tevez revealed that he is growing tired of starting or finishing matches on the sidelines, something that was evident in the way he shook his head when making way for Dimitar Berbatov during Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Arsenal:

“It’s true I’ve spent a lot of time on the bench and I’d like to play more. But every time I’m given a chance I do all I can to do well and take full advantage.

“Yes, it’s like that, it’s true I see myself more leaving United than staying here.

[…]

“My future? I don’t know what will happen for my future. I would like to go to Spain, yes, but I don’t know yet.”

Those of us without economics degrees and gigantic Wenger-like brains will never fully understand the two-year loan deal that brought Tevez to Old Trafford, but it expires at the end of this season, meaning Manchester Utd will have to part with around £32m (less the £10m already paid as part of his loan) to stop him moving on. Aside from the much-publicised move to Real Madrid, Tevez has also been linked to Inter Milan, Liverpool and Manchester City.

Few people in football (outside of Sheffield Utd) have a bad word to say about Tevez, yet Fergie appears to be doing little to retain his services. So, should Utd try their hardest to keep their lovable wet dog-alike, or will they barely notice his absence when the likes of Federico Macheda come into full bloom? Let us know your thoughts below…