Ferguson praises disgruntled Tevez and Ronaldo

By Martyn Herman

LONDON (Reuters) - Carlos Tevez said before Sunday's Manchester derby that he felt unwanted at Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo spent most of the second half scowling on the bench.

Both underlined their class, however, by scoring in the 2-0 defeat of Manchester City which put the champions three points clear of Liverpool at the top with three games remaining.

Ronaldo's deflected free kick gave United the lead after 18 minutes but he was replaced by Wayne Rooney after the interval as manager Alex Ferguson opted to spare the Portuguese winger for crucial games ahead.

Tevez, who got his wish for an all too rare start, was magnificent. His livewire display produced one stunning goal and he was only denied another by the woodwork.

The Argentine was widely quoted in Sunday's newspapers as saying he wanted to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season and their will be no shortage of takers should he decide to pack his bags.

Ferguson refused to be drawn on Tevez's future at the club, preferring instead to praise the striker and to play down Ronaldo's sulking fit.

"I didn't read the papers," Ferguson told Sky Sports. "You hear things, but, look, he is a Manchester United player. The fans love him. Our fans love triers. When players try, the fans love that."

Tevez was quoted in Sunday's News of the World saying: "I do not feel wanted. I feel bad over my situation...I guess what I'm saying is goodbye."