Sir Alex Ferguson revealed last night he had instigated private talks with Carlos Tevez to assure him he is still an integral part of Manchester United's plans. Tevez returned to United's line-up against West Ham United for his first start since September 27 but it has become the exception rather than the norm and Ferguson sympathised with a player who has not made it into the team in seven of the 11 games since Dimitar Berbatov signed for the club.

Tevez had become "odd man out" behind Berbatov and Wayne Rooney, but United's manager said the Argentinian understood his thinking. "I sat down with him only last week to stress that our faith in him is absolute, that he remains a top player in the eyes of myself, the players and our supporters," said Ferguson.

"It's just that three players won't fit into two positions and my job is to balance the team. It could be done against certain opposition, but it isn't the real solution and we are doing so well I don't want to meddle too much. Carlos understands this and I have explained that when the season really hots up we will need everyone."

He added: "Our attackers have been drawing all the attention, with Rooney having the time of his life and striking up a fine partnership with Berbatov. But my thoughts have probably centred on the forward who has been the odd man out. I am thinking of Carlos and the fact that I have not started him in as many games as he would like. But Carlos remains as important as the guys who have been hogging the headlines."