Showdown ‘inevitable’

SIR Alex Ferguson has admitted Manchester United old boy Carlos Tevez has already made his presence felt following his return to duty for Manchester City.

United boss Ferguson branded City counterpart Roberto Mancini's decision to recall Tevez after five months away as an act of desperation.

But after a slow start, Tevez has begun to repay the faith. Tevez is primed to face his former club in Monday’s Premier League blockbuster at the Etihad Stadium.

"When the fixtures came out at the beginning of the season, it all pointed to this game.

“It was inevitable, I suppose. In the context of our history, we almost expected it.

"Our supporters have been subjected to that drama for years and years. God knows what they are like just now."

There is one clear advantage for United this time around – they do not actually have to win.

"We are in a better position than Manchester City.

"We can get two results, they can only get one. They have to win.

“We can draw or we can win — but we will be trying to win."