LONDON (Reuters):

Argentine striker Carlos Tevez will make his Manchester United debut on Wednesday and could feature against Reading in the Premier League next weekend, manager Alex Ferguson said yesterday.

Ferguson expressed excitement at the arrival of Tevez, who is set to complete a move to Old Trafford from West Ham United this week following a prolonged transfer saga which centred on who owned the striker.

On Friday, West Ham reached a £2 million ($4.07 million) settlement with Tevez's representatives, paving the way for the player to join the Premier League champions.

"I think the boy's got something exceptional in him," the United manager said. "We experienced it in the last game against him at Old Trafford when he was a real handful to us.

"He's playing on Wednesday. I don't know where - either Belfast or Dunfermline - that'll be his first game. It would be nice to think I could have him for the Reading game, if not I'm sure the following week."

Ferguson was quick to point out that the menacing attacking qualities Tevez shares with England striker Wayne Rooney will not stop the pair lining up together this season.

"Both are of a similar physique, both are two-footed, both are quickish, both can beat a man - I don't think it's a bad thing to have these similarities."