Tevez appeared to be waving a tearful goodbye to Old Trafford as he helped celebrate the Red Devils 18th league championship win.

Once again the South American gave everything in pursuit of the goalless draw that eventually confirmed yet another Premier League medal.

But the slow shake of the head when his number 32 was raised to be replaced by Park Ji-sung, and the double-handed wave that followed suggested it was his final home appearance for United.

Not that his good friend Evra is ready to concede defeat just yet.

"I will try to persuade Carlos to stay," said the France full-back.

"We need him and the fans love him.

"I speak with him every day. He won't go anywhere because I will keep him in my house."

Clearly a popular figure in the United dressing room, Tevez will be missed both by team-mates and fans should he eventually decide his future lies elsewhere.

Well over two hours after the final rasp of Mike Dean's whistle had confirmed a record-equalling 18th league title for the Red Devils, a group of around 100 jubilant United fans remained outside the main reception area bellowing their now oft-repeated chant "Fergie, sign him up", followed by "Argentina".

Aside from financial considerations, complicated by Tevez's unusual ownership status, it seems the former West Ham star is simply fed up of being either a substitute or substituted.

Yet he only has to look across Manchester at the plight of Robinho, another world class star who though an automatic choice has actually played fewer games than Tevez and not come close to a medal.

Now, the Brazilian also knows there will be no European football to excite him next term, to realise life as a regular at Manchester City will not necessarily be a better one, for all the riches on offer.

"It's emotional," said Tevez.

"I like Manchester, and I like the fans. But maybe it is goodbye. It is very difficult."

Chief executive David Gill must now try to resolve the impasse over turning the current loan arrangement into a permanent transfer although, in truth, if Tevez cannot handle being rotated in a squad the size of United's, little can be done as Sir Alex Ferguson is hardly going to weaken it.

"I would not have said he was waving goodbye," said United assistant-boss Mike Phelan.

"He is one of many players who is very happy with the result and the support they have given him."

As for being confident Tevez would still be a Red Devils when the bid to become the first side to win four successive English titles, Phelan skirted around the issue.

"We are confident all our players will be here next season," he said.

"Things will develop during the close season like they always do at such a big club.

"But the manager will deal with those situations.

"Carlos has been magnificent for us this season.

"He has been a credit to himself and the team and he has produced moments that have won us games.

"He is a quality player. We like those at Manchester United, so hopefully, something can be sorted out."