Rooney - Tevez deal is crucial

United striker optimistic team-mate will stay

Last updated: 29th May 2008

Manchester United Carlos Tevez & Wayne Rooney

Rooney & Tevez: Happy together

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Wayne Rooney feels it is 'crucial' that Manchester United secure Carlos Tevez on a long-term contract.

The Argentine forward joined United on a two-year loan last summer following a season with West Ham United.

Tevez enjoyed a profitable debut campaign at Old Trafford, helping the Red Devils to retain the Premier League title and win the UEFA Champions League.

He also linked up stylishly with Rooney and the England ace wants the opportunity to play alongside Tevez for many years to come.

Battler

"It is crucial to get him signed and I am sure that will happen," Rooney told the Manchester Evening News.

"Carlos loves playing football here, he's enjoying it, so I don't see why it will be a problem.

"I had no doubts that we could play together and from training with him when he first came you could immediately see the qualities he had. I couldn't wait to play with him.

"Towards the end of the season we didn't play together a lot, but when we did, we did really well.

"He's been brilliant. He's a battler, he works so hard and has scored 19 goals, which is brilliant."

Meanwhile, Argentina coach Alfio Basile will not call on Tevez for next month's World Cup qualifier against Brazil.

Basile feels it will be better for Tevez to sit out the 18th June clash with Brazil, with the attacker suspended for the game against Ecuador three days earlier.

"He deserves some holidays," said Basile. "He has played a lot recently and he should rest."