Only way back for City's Tevez: via Man United

The ultimate twist in the Carlos Tevez saga will be a return to Manchester United.

Never say never in the modern English Premier League, but while Sir Alex Ferguson for all practical purposes has supported Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini in the matter, the only possible way for Tevez to keep his career alive in England is to do the unthinkable – and unbelievable.

United fans would welcome Tevez back, if only to spite City and deepen an already impressive bench for all future derbies.

The sight of Tevez with his ears cupped mocking the United bench in a City shirt after scoring for City last year will never be forgotten at Old Trafford.

But the Stretford end faithful would rather swallow that ignominy than losing to City again. Ever.

A new digital poster showing City outcast Tevez sitting on the bench with the slogan 'Welcome to Carlos Manchester', has once again split the city – some with laughter, others with anger.

The poster parodies one paid for by City fans when the Argentinian joined the club from United in 2009.

The original billboard showed the striker celebrating a goal and read 'Welcome to Manchester Carlos'.

West Ham are said to interested in signing Tevez, but City might well plan to keep him in cold storage rather than let anyone else benefit from his prodigious talent.

Lastly, it is all up to Sir Alex. Would he want Tevez back?