Whiteside warning to Tevez

Manchester United legend Norman Whiteside has warned Carlos Tevez life with the Red Devils will be nothing like he has experienced anywhere.

Tevez finally completed his protracted move to Old Trafford this afternoon.

The 23-year-old has joined United on a two-year loan, which could turn into a permanent deal, and he will be formally unveiled on Monday.

After all the hype surrounding his move, Tevez is already used to life in the spotlight.

But Whiteside, a United icon and 1985 FA Cup final matchwinner, does not believe the Argentina forward will be expecting the intense scrutiny he is about to be subjected to.

“I know there is a lot of hype surrounding Tevez already, but I think he will find it very different playing for United than anyone else,” said the former Northern Ireland star.

“You only have to break wind in training and it becomes news somewhere. The level of interest in the club goes way beyond anything you would get anywhere else.

“I played for Everton. They are a top club, with top players, top stadium, top facilities and went on to finish in the top four. But nothing at Everton compared with Manchester United. Nothing does. They are a global phenomenon.”

Like most United followers, Whiteside, who has just released his autobiography ’Determined’, is relieved the Tevez saga is finally over.

Although Alex Ferguson claimed he was quite relaxed about the length of time taken by the Premier League to sign off the contract, there appeared no logical reason why it should take so long given Tevez’s contract was a virtual replica of the one Liverpool drafted to sign Javier Mascherano in January.

“I am just glad it is all done so the furore surrounding Carlos can die down a little bit,” said Whiteside.

“It is an interesting signing and while I have not seen much of him, he clearly is a superb player.

“And at United, he will be surrounded by world-class talent. There is no doubt that will help his game as well.”

Speaking before the news of Tevez’s arrival was confirmed, Ferguson indicated the former Corinthians forward would not be considered for Sunday’s Premier League opener against Reading.

A more likely debut date is the August 19 derby clash with Manchester City at Eastlands although, given the form Tevez has shown in training this week, it would not be a major surprise if he was on the bench at the weekend.

“Carlos has surprised us,” admitted Ferguson.

“We thought he would need more training but he looks in great shape.

“I am happy with what the Premier League are doing because eventually we will get a player in the right circumstances, with everything clarified and cleared by the appropriate authorities.

“But even if it was all done today, I wouldn’t use him on Sunday. It would more likely be against Manchester City next weekend.

“It is a difficult situation to assess because a derby game can be frenetic. Once we know he can play, we can make a decision quite easily.”