The animated Argentina striker marked only his 17th league start of the season by scoring a cracking goal.

Tevez rifled the ball home from the edge of the area on the stroke of half-time and it flew off the post and into the net.

He responded by racing down the touchline to the dug-out and in front of Ferguson cupped his hands to his ears as if to say: "Can you hear the noise?"

It was a remarkably pointed gesture after he had gone public on the day of the derby to state that he thought his two-year loan spell was coming to an end.

Tevez said he was sad about the situation but felt he was about to say goodbye. He complained that he did not seem to be part of the United family.

Certainly United fans would be sorry to see him go as his work rate is not in question.

And he proved against City he can be a classy finisher as well, given the chance.

Before his goal he had rattled the bar with a fierce shot after cutting inside.

Whether Ferguson wants to keep him is unclear. All may not be lost as he greeted Tevez's gesture with a wry smile.

And the player's representative Kia Joorabchian was enjoying United's hospitality in the directors' box.

Tevez clearly had a point to prove and City were on the receiving end. It was a vital victory for United as well as they regained the high ground from Liverpool following their win over West Ham yesterday.

It seems that every time questions are asked of Ferguson's side they give a perfect answer.

The Scot made five changes to the side that defeated Arsenal in midweek to reach the Champions League final but his team still came up with the goods.

Now United need only four points from their last three games to retain the crown.

With Wigan and Arsenal due to arrive this week, the title could be sewn up on Saturday in front of their own fans.

City came into the game on the back of four straight wins and in buoyant mood but were found wanting.

They had plenty of possession but once Cristiano Ronaldo had made the breakthrough in the 18th minute they faced an uphill task.

Ronaldo rattled in a superb 30-yard free kick which found the net via Shay Given's outstretched hand.

It was his 26th goal of another remarkable season and just the boost United were looking for.

With Ronaldo, Tevez, Dimitar Berbatov and later Wayne Rooney to call on, United were spoilt for choice up front.

City have nothing like those options to call on and although they have joined the rich list thanks to the Abu Dhabi United Group, they are miles away from competing with United both on and off the park.

Sitting in the stand alongside the injured Rio Ferdinand was lifelong fan Ricky Hatton, back home after his devastating knockout by Manny Pacquiao.

City manager Mark Hughes must have had an idea of how he felt after this defeat at the hand of their neighbours, although his side still have an outside chance of a Europa Cup place.