Ferguson reveals fears over Tevez

Carlos Tevez has endured an indifferent season with Man Utd

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he is concerned that striker Carlos Tevez will leave the club at the end of the season.

The 24-year-old, whose loan deal ends next month, has hinted he wants to secure more first-team opportunities.

Ferguson said: "We are vulnerable because of the loan situation. I don't want him to be unhappy because he is an important player for us.

"I think he wants to stay and we are trying to make that happen."

Tevez arrived at Old Trafford under a loan arrangement with adviser Kia Joorabchian, which was sanctioned by the Premier League.

An agreed price - believed to be about £30m - needs to be paid at the end of the season for United to seal Tevez's registration.

But, while Ferguson still hopes it will happen, Tevez is seemingly resigned to leaving because he has not played in enough key matches.

Ferguson added: "The difficulty is when you have the options I have got, it creates problems.

"All the good players want to play in every game but you can't do that in this league, it is impossible.

606: DEBATE Tevez works so hard for United and I really feel for him and understand his frustration at not getting enough games Winners_are_Grinners

"Maybe at the end of the season if he has won something or achieved something, he will look at the overall picture and realise he has made a contribution. I think he will stay. I hope he does."

Last week Tevez gave an interview to an Argentine radio station and when asked whether his stint with United was coming to an end, he replied: "I think so."

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The Argentine international, who lost his regular place in Ferguson's team when Dimitar Berbatov joined the club from Tottenham for £30.75m last August, added: "As a player I can't permit myself to play one game, but not another.

"And also, the World Cup is coming up. I see it very difficult to stay with Manchester United. That's the reality.

"You can score three or four goals and not play in the next game.

"It gets to your head. I need to play," said Tevez.

Tevez, who joined United from West Ham, claimed to have received offers from other clubs, including at least one La Liga club in Spain.