Ferguson: Tevez exit 'no surprise'

Manager Alex Ferguson is convinced Carlos Tevez had known for a while he would be leaving Manchester United this summer.

It is expected the Argentina star will have a medical with Manchester City tomorrow, having decided to remain in the north-west rather than accept the overtures from Chelsea.

The signing will be greeted with dismay by the Red Devils fans who took Tevez to their hearts during his two years at Old Trafford.

Many felt some of the cash received for Cristiano Ronaldo should have been used to ensure Tevez remained at United.

However, the South American proved resistant to post-season discussions with chief executive David Gill, with Ferguson claiming Tevez had long since given the impression he intended to move on.

“I half expected Carlos Tevez would be going a long time back,” said the United boss.

“I think he maybe did a deal around January because I spoke to him and gave him an offer on the night we played Inter Milan and he never came back to me.

“I phoned him on holiday and he never got back to me and I texted him twice and he never got back to me then either, so obviously he had made his mind up a long time ago.

“He was a good player and did well for us. But he obviously assessed the situation and wanted to go somewhere else.”