Tevez has only just returned from World Cup duty with Argentina, where he was sent off in Tuesday's defeat to Colombia.

Yet, before he flew back to England, reports emerging from South America suggested the 24-year-old was weary of travelling and had informed Ferguson he needed a break.

The United boss read the reports and immediately sought Tevez out on his arrival at the Red Devils training base, only to discover the former West Ham star was at a complete loss to where the rumours had sprung from.

Ferguson still suggested Tevez may wish to start among the substitutes at the Reebok Stadium. However, while the striker is still to master the art of spoken English, one withering glance was enough to convince the Ferguson to back off.

"I don't know where the stuff about Carlos came from," said Ferguson.

"I spoke to him but he doesn't know where it came from either.

"I suggested he should be on the bench tomorrow and he gave me that South American look.

"He was running about like a two-year-old this morning, so he will play."

The news is especially good for Ferguson given Wayne Rooney is not expected to return from an ankle problem until the home match with Fulham on December 3.

Rooney was initially ruled out for four weeks after suffering a freak training-ground accident prior to the Premier League win over Blackburn earlier this month.

The injury has already had serious repercussions for England, who slid out of Euro 2008 in his absence on Wednesday night.

However, while speculation of a return to training on Tuesday has already been rejected by United officials, Ferguson confirmed it will not be long before the 22-year-old is back in action.

"Wayne is doing some running," revealed Ferguson. "He won't be available for tomorrow or Tuesday's match against Sporting Lisbon but I think he will definitely be ready for Fulham game."

Another more long-term injury victim, skipper Gary Neville, will start his latest comeback with a reserve team outing against Sunderland next Thursday.

Neville has not made a first-team appearance since March after breaking his ankle against Bolton.

Since then, the England star has suffered thigh and calf problems and has already aborted one comeback after playing for the second string against Stockport on November 1.

"Gary has had a few setbacks but hopefully those are behind him now," said Ferguson.

Nemanja Vidic is a doubt for tomorrow's north-west derby with a back injury, although Ferguson is hopeful the Serbian defender will be fit.

Vidic signed a new long-term contract extension with the Old Trafford club earlier this month and has now been joined by John O'Shea, who has tied himself to United until 2012.

Although he has rarely been viewed as a member of Ferguson's preferred first-choice starting line-up, O'Shea has still made well over 250 appearances for the Red Devils and his versatility makes him a vital member of the champions' squad.

"It is always good to produce your own players and John O'Shea is one of them," said Ferguson.

"He has shown loyalty to us and we respect the job he has done here.

"He is a fabulous professional and a good type of person too.

"He never gives you any problems and most importantly, he can play in several positions, which in the modern game is vital."

Contract talks with Wes Brown and Edwin van der Sar are also expected to reach fruition over the next few weeks, although Patrice Evra - one of what could be as few as five United representatives at Euro 2008 next summer - should be the next to sign.