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29 March 2024

Man Utd, City ‘villains’ who will decide title

Carlos Tevez and David De Gea (REUTERS/GETTY)

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The jury is out on David De Gea. The jury is not out on Carlos Tevez.

Finally, and strangely enough, it may come down to these two ‘villains’ about which side of Manchester the title goes to.

Manchester United’s Spanish keeper has been dodgy at most times, but then spectacular at others – a talent despised in goalkeepers where consistency is the key.

He has cost United goals this season, but the team and manager have remained stoically behind him.

In the final run-in to the Barclays English Premier League, it may well be De Gea in goal that Manchester City will see as United’s weakest link.

The summer acquisition from Atletico Madrid will be back in his homeland on 15 March, for the Round of 16, second leg match against Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League.

De Gea played a key role in overcoming Ajax over the two legs, including one world-class save to deny Siem De Jong, "I was lucky enough to be able to help the team and now we're in the next round," he told UEFA.com. "The manager wasn't happy but we got through and that's the important thing. Athletic Bilbao are a good team. I've got lots of friends there and it'll be great to go back to Spain - and to win."

Meanwhile, over at the Etihad Stadium, Mancini will be enjoying picking his first eleven given he has all his stars at his disposal – including Carlos Tevez.

United hardman and legend Roy Keane has been the most vocal about Tevez turning the title in City’s favour. Writing for his column in the newly-launched Sun on Sunday, Keane believes that, even without playing a game, Tevez coming back has strengthened City. “His presence has the other strikers on their toes,” he says.

With the form of his other front players now though, Mancini doesn't have to bring Tevez back immediately.

He may just save him for the fateful clash with United in April.

The one where Tevez will face De Gea. And the title will be decided.