Cristiano is like an extra player: Tevez.

Byline: By SIMON STONE Sports Correspondent

CARLOS TEVEZ feels having Cristiano Ronaldo back is like gaining an extra player for Manchester United.

Ronaldo is set for a place on the substitutes' bench in the Champions League group game against Villarreal at Old Trafford tonight, barely two months after ankle surgery which Sir Alex Ferguson felt might keep him sidelined until October.

With Michael Carrick ruled out for up to six weeks with a broken foot and Dimitar Berbatov (knee) a major doubt, Ronaldo's return could not be better timed, particularly as Chelsea will have John Terry available for Sunday's massive clash at Stamford Bridge after a successful appeal against his red card at Manchester City.

"Cristiano is a massive player for us and it is great to have him on our side," said Tevez.

"It is like having an extra player when he is there because he is such a danger to our opponents. It will be a big boost to have him back."

With Ronaldo absent and Wayne Rooney's best display of the season coming in an England shirt, Tevez has been United's most obvious attacking threat so far.

"From the first moment I came here I would have loved to sign a long-term contract," he said.

"Last year was a very happy season and it would be wonderful if the chairman put a long-term contract in front of me.

"If he did that I would sign it without a doubt."