Dented Manchester United stand on Carlito's way

Adam Johnson: Sir Alex Ferguson was wrong to let Carlos Tevez go - ESPN Soccernet

The famous line from the 1993 Hollywood movie Carlito's way, "If you can't see the angles no more, you are in trouble" sounds like an advisory poster hung on a wall at Old Trafford to remind everyone of the bitter taste of selling Tevez to their bitter rivals. The hasty and somewhat acrimonious exit has been thoroughly criticized as a poor decision and Fergy’s undervalued Carlito is set to haunt him at the Manchester Derby on Saturday. An image that readily comes to mind is that of a penitent Ferguson ogling his decision to sell Tevez to city rival, in other to make it justifiable, but mere rhetoric is unlikely to work except United leave the City of Manchester stadium un-scalded or even better, with a win.

In tomorrow’ derby, City's Carlito will be hell bent on show-casing his talent at the expense of the more successful Manchester United. Form is on the side of City and beating United would be a huge victory for Mancini, who is still battling to establish himself as a long term venture in City’s coaching department. But this game is perhaps important for another reason. The league table has taken an unfamiliar look in the last two weeks, with just a place between the two Manchester teams, a fact that drives the point right through the heart of any sceptic still disputing the substance in this Manchester City team. This match is therefore more than a derby or a contest meant to assert bragging rights. It is set to serve as some measure of the true strength of both teams. At least, if City wins, the suggestion that they are now rubbing shoulders with each other on the pitch would no longer sterile, though with endless miles to cover in the trophy cabinet.

Carlos Tevez has indeed been given a defining platform to show his class and prove decisively that every penny in his transfer fees is accounted for in footballing worth. A victory, sweet victory over United adds great density to City’s right to the fourth spot, a position that earns them a ticket in next season's champions league. The headline on Sunday is sure to revolve around Carlito and huddles placed on his way by Manchester United.