Sir Alex Ferguson last night watched Manchester United move within a point of another Barclays Premier League title after a dramatic victory at Wigan, then offered renewed hope that striker Carlos Tevez can be persuaded to stay at Old Trafford.
'He knows I want him to stay,' said the United manager last night, much to the delight of the club's fans.
Well heeled: Substitute Carlos Tevez celebrates his back-flick equaliser against Wigan
The reigning champions need only a draw at home to Arsenal on Saturday or away at Hull on the season's final day to retain their title and match rivals Liverpool's record haul of 18 Championships.
Trailing 1-0 at half time at the JJB Stadium last night, United recovered in spectacular style to equalise through Tevez then clinch three points with a Michael Carrick winner four minutes from the end of normal time.
Tevez's goal was his second in four days, even though he vowed to leave the club on Sunday due to his failure to nail down a regular place.
United manager Ferguson said last night: 'The situation has not affected Carlos at all. He knows I want him to stay.
'I had another chat with him about it today and our chief executive, David Gill, had other meetings as well. I'm sure it has progressed further.
'The terms we have offered Carlos are good, so we will see.'
However, a spokesman for Tevez's adviser Kia Joorabchian said last night: 'It is true David Gill came to see Mr Joorabchian and they had a cordial meeting.
'It is categorically untrue that Manchester United made an offer to try and persuade Carlos Tevez to stay at the club. In 2007 they agreed a two-year loan for Carlos and at the same time agreed the terms that would make the transfer permanent. They have not taken up that option.'
United were on the back foot after Hugo Rodallega's opener last night and it looked as though the title momentum may swing back towards Liverpool.
Ferguson added: 'We had to show the resolve of champions again against a determined Wigan side. This was a terrific challenge but we got there with a fantastic second-half performance.'
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