Carlos Tevez fears his season could be severely handicapped due to lack of pre-season preparation.

The Argentina international had been expected to join Manchester United earlier this month, but a dispute over pay between West Ham and Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian has held up the move.

Tevez had been in peak condition after helping his country to the final of this summer's Copa America, but is now kicking his heels ahead of his Old Trafford switch.

The all-action striker is mentally prepared for linking up with Alex Ferguson's side but fears he is missing out on much needed pre-season work with his new colleagues.

"We need a solution quickly so that I can get on with my career," Tevez told the Daily Mail.  "To play for a super club like Manchester United without any pre-season work behind me is going to be a real handicap.

"I am a fighter and am prepared for any challenge. But this is going to be very difficult.

"I desire a swift solution and demand now that all parties arrive at an agreement because I just want to play.

"Mentally I am prepared to play for United at any moment, but physically it may be more difficult the longer it goes on."

Meanwhile Argentinian team mate and former United player Juan Sebastian Veron has warned Tevez that a move to Old Trafford could ruin his career.

The midfielder made a £28 million move to Old Trafford in 2001, but failed to hit top form in two injury-hit seasons.

Now the Argentinian playmaker has told Tevez that joining the Premier League champions could be a big mistake.

"Carlos will find that United is not like West Ham in any aspect," Veron told the Daily Star:  "The change will be enormous and if things do not go well he could suffer a mortal fall in fortune.

"To triumph at United is not easy even if you are a superstar. Some players leave the club because of the enormous pressure. The people at Old Trafford are very critical."

Veron claims he spoke to his countryman at the Copa America in Venezuala, where Argentina reached the final, where they lost to Brazil.

"I spoke several times with Carlos about playing at Old Trafford and told him that while he turned himself into an idol at West Ham it will be very difficult to at Old Trafford."

There is a chance Tevez's move to Old Trafford could finally be agreed today as meetings between West Ham and MSI continue.