Former Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez is confident he will not be viewed as a traitor by the Old Trafford faithful if he completes a transfer to the club's cross-city rivals.

The Argentina international turned down a permanent deal at United last month following a two-year loan deal and has since been linked with a lucrative move to wealthy Manchester City.

Chelsea are also reportedly tracking the 25-year-old's availability, but Eastlands is believed to be Tevez's likely destination this summer, and he told The People: "If I play for Manchester City I don't think the United fans will feel I am a traitor."

He added: "They have to remember that at least as far as I know I have been thrown out of the club and I have to study the best offers available."

Tevez's decision to turn down the offer of a five-year deal at United has been defended by his adviser Kia Joorabchian, and the player himself insists manager Sir Alex Ferguson left him with little choice but to move on.

"It has come about because I could not stand my sporting situation at Manchester United any longer," he continued.

"My first year was good in all senses. I played in the games and felt respected by the coach but in my second year some strange things happened that I still do not understand.

"After the game at Old Trafford where Liverpool beat us (4-1, in March), Ferguson ignored me almost as if I was to blame for the defeat when really Liverpool dominated us all over the pitch.

"After that the fans called for me to be in the team but he never took the advice on board because he always knows best.

"I gave everything for Manchester United and people know that. For that reason I don't deserve the way things have ended up."