Carlos Tevez enjoyed a heated exchange with Gary Neville after
inspiring Manchester City's win.
Tevez scored both goals as the Blues came from behind to
claim a precious 2-1 first-leg victory at Eastlands to set up the
decider next Wednesday.
The first, a penalty that came after Rafael needlessly tugged
Craig Bellamy back just before the interval, was followed by what
initially was a restrained reaction as the Argentina star raced
past the United fans behind the same goal.
That soon changed, though, as Tevez encountered Gary Neville
warming up by the touchline.
In a weekend newspaper column in Malta, Neville backed Sir
Alex Ferguson's decision to let Tevez leave Old Trafford last
summer despite supporters repeatedly clamouring for him to be
retained on a permanent deal.
A childish exchange, which seemed to involve the United
captain making a one-fingered gesture at Tevez, ended with the
South American using a hand signal of his own to indicate Neville
should shut his mouth.
"I don't know about this situation," said City boss Roberto
Mancini.
"I only hope that he plays the same way in the second game
because he played a big game tonight."
Tevez's second came after Wes Brown and Jonny Evans both went
to close down Vincent Kompany and failed, meaning the former West
Ham star was on his own as the Belgian hooked the ball back into
the six-yard area.
Tevez gleefully headed home his 17th goal of the season
before repeating the cupped-ears gesture he first performed in
front of the United dug-out during last season's Manchester derby
at Old Trafford as the home fans sang "Fergie, sign him up".
"I am very happy for Carlos," said Mancini.
"He is an ex-Manchester United player so this game was very
important for him. To score two goals was excellent."
