10 Reasons Manchester United Should Keep Carlos Tevez

With United's 2008-2009 season just two games away from being put into the record books much speculation surrounds the future of forward Carlos Tevez.

While the little Argentine has not received a fair amount of playing time (based on his own assessments of course), he has been fairly effective this season when he has played.

As a long time United fan and fan of Carlos Tevez in general, I've come up with 10 good reasons why United must keep Carlos Tevez.

1. His heart. The man loves to play football, and of course so do all of the 21 remaining players on the pitch. Tevez shows his heart through his play, he expresses himself on the pitch through sheer class, brilliance, and character.

He would bleed for United, and that must be respected.

2. His work rate. The man is tireless when he is on the pitch. Most recently in the Wigan match, he lost the ball 40 yards from goal, tracked another 40 back into the United defense, and won the ball back. He is constantly sprinting at players and the ball.

The fire he shows on the pitch excites everyone.

3. Inspiration. While this goes hand-in-hand with "work rate," it has to be talked about on its own. Tevez brings new meaning to the phrase, "leaving it all out on the pitch." He never gives anything less than 100 percent and it inspires the general public, but most importantly...it inspires his teammates.

When Tevez is on the pitch his teammates start playing more inspired football.

4. Humility. In the wake of the 30 million pound signing of Dimitar Berbatov over the summer, questions were asked and generally answered about who would accompany Wayne Rooney at the top of United's every game lineup.

While he has been understandably frustrated, he's never made a scene about it, never demanded a transfer, remains loyal to the club, and has expressed his interest in staying at the club.

5. His brilliance. As a football striker, you generally expect to possess and maintain a certain amount of skill at your position. While some have questioned his finishing ability with space in front of him, he always seems to dazzle when the situation is in dire need of some dazzling.

This was no more evident than in the goal he scored midweek at the JJB. Taking a ball hit with pace out of mid air with a twisting back-heel flick speaks for itself. However, brilliance can't always be measured by pure skill, timing, and the fact that he can be called upon to produce a strike like that one to get his team believing they could win.

It cannot be matched.

6. He's one of a kind. The man's ability to produce brilliant goals cannot be questioned. The questions you often find yourself struggling to answer with Tevez were, "How did he do that?" or "Did I really see what I just saw?"

His size, combined with his balance of skills and his stamina are second to none. He is a pit bull with class, and he is not comparable to any other forward in the BPL.

7. Because he could very well be signed by a Premier League rival. While his agent has been saying he has interest from clubs in Spain, he has also not separated Tevez with a move to one of United's premier league rivals, which includes a potential move to Liverpool.

Does United want to face the wrath of a Tevez goal at Anfield?

We know he can score against United as he single handedly kept West Ham up in 2006-2007 at Old Trafford.

8. Because he is absolutely irreplaceable. Does United want to lose Tevez?

If they do they are losing the third forward, which would defeat the point of signing Berbatov last summer. The only possible replacements that provide similar sets of skills would be David Villa or David Silva—both of whom have expressed interest in joining Chelsea and Liverpool, respectively, not Manchester United.

9. Because he is affordable. There is no denying that he may cost 25 million pounds, but with his crazy contract with a third party there is no telling what type of deal United could potentially work out with him. Even at 25 million, his services render such a price.

It's a move United should want to make.

10. Because millions of United fans would be heartbroken. With chants of "Fergie sign him up" resonating throughout Old Trafford as Tevez kept West Ham in the top flight in 2007, we all knew where United fans wanted the Argentine to play.

After two years of service, the "Fergie sign him up" chants resound throughout Old Trafford again. Fans literally booed Tevez off the field on Saturday, but it wasn't him they were booing, they were booing Ferguson for making the switch.

Tevez, oozing with class, gratefully applauded the crowd who began signing "Argentina" minutes after he sat on the bench. If the United front office needed any more consequence surrounding this decision, they'll certainly get it from the fans should they let Tevez go.

He must be kept.