After weeks of negotiation and discussion over a deal which Gill still believes became "over-complicated", United finally got to unveil Carlos Tevez today ahead of a debut start against Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Wednesday.

With the Premier League confirming Tevez had formally left West Ham last week, United have paid the 23-year-old's 'adviser' Kia Joorabchian a reported $25million for a two-year loan, with the option to turn the transfer into a more permanent arrangement at any stage before the contract expires.

Having first made their interest known at the beginning of the summer, it has taken a long time for the Red Devils to get their man.

The delay was partly to do with the dispute over whether Tevez should have been allowed to play in the Hammers' final three games of the campaign after an independent commission had disclosed its findings on the forward's initial arrival at Upton Park, but also because of the complex nature of the contract.

Premier League rules forbid third-party ownership because of the potential for influence over its competition, yet the practice is commonplace in other parts of the world, particularly South America.

As one of the game's leading chief executives, Gill indicated clubs must be allowed to work within the reality of ownership rules that are currently in operation globally.

But he accepted it would be helpful for everyone concerned if FIFA were to intervene.

"I wouldn't disagree that the third-party ownership needs clarifying," he said.

"That needs FIFA to do something.

"As a club, you need to step back, look at it and understand it.

"Ultimately, we want to secure the services of a player, under terms we believe are appropriate and acceptable for a period that we want, and, in the nicest possible sense, we control the player, in the nicest possible sense, during that period.

"We have to deal with reality. The most important thing is for the club to know where they stand and for the authorities to know where they stand.

"It was a difficult situation but there were a lot of other issues surrounding it which, in my opinion, made it more complicated than it needed to be."

Although the deal is unusual for United, who usually like to get their major stars tied down to long-term deals, they retain first refusal on Tevez, who cannot leave for another club without the Red Devils first waiving their right to buy.

"Everything is in place for Carlos and Manchester United to agree a long-term deal and we are very comfortable with the arrangement," said Gill.

"We are looking at it very positively with a view that he will be the player he can be for Manchester United and that it will be an easy decision to exercise our option.

"That is our goal. We are not looking at two years, we are looking at a long-term arrangement."

After such a long and controversial saga, Gill feels it is only right for all parties to reflect on what has gone on.

And he is sure Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore will learn a few valuable lessons for the future.

"You always learn from your experiences," said Gill.

"Richard Scudamore is a bright chap. I am sure he will pick up the rights and wrongs of this particular affair.

"While the football authorities allow third-party ownership, we have to deal with it and we will deal with it appropriately and in accordance with the rules.

"It is a feature of the game and I am sure, out of this situation, things will be learned and issues will be addressed."