Carlos Tevez has shown the characteristics that make a Manchester United player and the fans can expect to get their wish after seeing him score again at Wigan Athletic.
The little Argentinian has his faults. His goal return in the league was dismal prior to last weekend and there is the suspicion that his first touch is some way behind the level of his colleagues Dimitar Berbatov, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.
But Tevez is, undeniably, a fighter. When it has all boiled down to proving his worth and earning a new contract at Old Trafford, the crowd favourite has come up trumps.
Vital goals are his stock-in-trade. Last season, he proved this trait at Liverpool, Tottenham, Lyon and Blackburn. And at The JJB Stadium on a rain-sodden evening, he pushed United towards a third successive title.
When Sir Alex Ferguson throws all four of his star forwards into the fray, he knows something will happen and Tevez supplied the most intricate of backheels to powerfully divert Michael Carrick's errant shot past Richard Kingson.
It was the springboard for a more relaxed United to get the winner, when Carrick found his shooting boots, to leave The Red Devils a point away from killing off Liverpool's challenge once and for all.
Tevez is adored by the United support for his non-stop energy and commitment. There was another great example on Wednesday of his ability to win back possession, admittedly after losing it in the first place, with determination beyond the call of duty, as he hared back into his own half to make a successful challenge.
Ferguson has confirmed talks are underway to keep the hard-working striker and, no matter how stubborn the Scot can be, he will find it impossible to ignore the calls from the crowd to 'sign him up'. Tevez is making a compelling case in his own right, even without his cheer-leaders' vocal support.
There could be more frustration on the horizon for the former West Ham forward in Rome unless he can persuade Ferguson to alter his thinking for the Barcelona game. One thing that is for certain is continental defences do not like being constantly harried and Gerard Pique, for example, can effectively start attacks if allowed time on the ball.
With the snarling South American snapping at his heels, that part of the gameplan will be out of the window and it could help stop the supply line to creative forces Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
But that is for the future. The immediate concern is making sure Arsenal do not spoil the title party on Saturday at Old Trafford when Tevez can again expect to be involved.
The Argentinian may be one of many players rested for the Sunday trip to Hull City on the final day, which will spark a debate of its own, if the title is safely secured with the Champions League final just around the corner on the Wednesday.
There would be no complaints from him this time around if it meant he was part of the starting XI at Stadio Olimpico and, on current form, he looks more worthy of a place than Dimitar Berbatov, even if the Bulgarian is harshly criticised at times.
Tevez will always be rotated at United, it is part and parcel of being at a club challenging on so many fronts and with such talent at their manager's disposal. If he can accept that it brings with it the chance of silverware and big games on a regular basis, there is every chance a deal will be done - even despite the demands of the company that owns him.