Tevez joined the Old Trafford outfit on a two-year loan that is due to expire next summer.

It had been expected the 24-year-old would sign a permanent contract before the end of the season, with both the player and United stressing that is the aim.

However, talks between Red Devils chief executive David Gill and Tevez's trusted advisor Kia Joorabchian have taken place amid the backdrop of Ferguson leaving out the striker on a regular basis over the past month.

With Wayne Rooney in the form of his life and Dimitar Berbatov easing his way into life at Old Trafford following his record £30.75million move from Tottenham, Tevez has been squeezed out, leading to fears he might decide to go elsewhere.

Real Madrid and cash-rich Manchester City have been mentioned as possible destinations should Tevez decide to turn his back on United.

However, Ferguson is adamant it will not come to that.

"I don't think it will make a difference at all," he said.

"It shouldn't. He is happy here. The club want him. The players and fans love him.

"Just because I have left him out for a couple of games doesn't mean it should be a negative part of negotiations to get him here in a full-time capacity."

Nevertheless, Ferguson has admitted the balancing act he must perform is more tricky now than it was in 1999 when Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer were vying for a place in the Scot's team.

Not that he feels the situation is beyond his experienced grasp.

"It is much more delicate handling the striking situation now," said Ferguson.

"In those days there was that northern European culture that was easier to manage. There was a British mentality and there was no problem dealing with it.

"None of them were happy when they didn't play but they understood and it wasn't an issue.

"I sat Wayne down the other day and told him I had to find out how Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos played together. He understood that. But I don't think he would be too impressed if I left him out of two or three games.

"However, I don't think it is unmanageable."

Indeed, Ferguson is quite prepared to deal with unhappy players, even if they can only speak Spanish.

"Obviously there is always the language barrier with Carlos but it is quite straightforward. He wants to play," said the United chief.

"That is fine. I have just reminded him of how we operate here. He understands that. It is the same for Rooney.

"They are not happy but that is the way it is."

Ferguson must get the right balance tomorrow if United are to overcome a Hull side that has already won at Arsenal and Tottenham this season.

Edwin van der Sar will return in goal, with Gary Neville almost certainly filling the right-back berth.

Michael Carrick's recovery from a broken foot means he will be given only his third start of the season, possibly at the expense of Darren Fletcher who Ferguson regards as United's player of the season so far.

After dropping two points at Everton last weekend, then complaining at the way his side's second-half performance against West Ham slipped after they had established a winning position, Ferguson is demanding a more clinical approach as he assesses a title race which changed dramatically with Liverpool's win at Chelsea last weekend.

"Because of Chelsea's experience and the home record they had, there was a great advantage to them," said Ferguson.

"I would have been happier if we had taken the record but the fact Liverpool did it makes it a different picture altogether now."

ends