Fergie’s 'mistake' to cost Man Utd big time

The defining plot twist of the most enthralling title race in years could be written on Monday as Manchester City attempt to seize control of their Premier League destiny against leaders Manchester United.

The many sub-plots, however, make it even more interesting .

Of all the storylines to emerge from this year's Premier League page-turner, it is the re-emergence of Tevez that is potentially the most compelling.

Ostracised by Mancini after his infamous refusal to warm-up during the Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich in September, the former United striker then disappeared to Argentina for three months of unauthorised leave.

Mancini, who had previously said Tevez would never play for the club again, has been forced to reverse his stance during the run-in, particularly after ill-discipline saw Mario Balotelli sidelined for three games.

Tevez has responded to his recall by delivering goals, adding an injection of verve to a City forward line that had been struggling to reproduce their scintillating early season form.

Tevez, who is expected to seek a move this summer, will be putting his talents on show to a mammoth worldwide audience on Monday, with a record 16 broadcasters airing the match live.

Tevez was famously let go for Sir Alex and then, playing for City against United, Tevez scored and famously ran before the United bench and taunted them all.

He seemed intent on letting Old Trafford know they made a mistake by letting him go.

Now Mancini is going to ask Tevez to sink United once more.

Three weeks ago, United already had one hand on a record 20th title after City's defeat at Arsenal left Sir Alex Ferguson's team a hefty eight points clear with only six games remaining.

But a poor run of results from United, which has seen them take only four points from a possible nine, has suddenly given City the chance to put themselves back on pole position as the finish line looms into view.

An estimated worldwide television audience of more than 650 million is expected to tune in for a match that is being hyped as the biggest in Premier League history.

The equation for City is simple: a victory on Monday would see them return to the top of the table.

Wins at Newcastle and at home to Queens Park Rangers would then guarantee City the title, provided United are unable to make up their rivals' significant advantage in goal difference, which currently stands at plus six.

City, who humiliated United 6-1 at Old Trafford in October, have rattled in 12 goals in their past three games, and their nimble strikeforce of Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez will fancy their chances of adding to that haul if Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans have another off-day.

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