Mancini happy Tevez is a Blue

Published Jan. 20, 2010 10:17 a.m. ET

foxsports

Roberto Mancini does not care who Carlos Tevez used to play for - he is just delighted to have the striker at Manchester City.

A Carling Cup winner last season, the first leg of this season's semi-final with Manchester United could not have gone any better for Tevez.

Two goals - and two gleeful celebrations - have taken City to the brink of their first major final in 29 years and increased his tally to 17 - only months after Sir Alex Ferguson said he was not a prolific scorer.

"I am happy Carlos plays for us because he is a top player," said Mancini.

"He is an ex-Manchester United player so the game was very important for him. To score two goals was excellent.

"I only hope that he plays the same way in the second game."

It remains to be seen whether the Football Association decide to take further action over his exchange of gestures with United skipper Gary Neville.

Tevez did not celebrate in front of the Red Devils fans but was making his way to the City contingent after he had drilled home the penalty that pulled his side level when he spotted Neville warming up on the touchline.

Taking exception to Neville's belief that Sir Alex Ferguson was right to let him leave Old Trafford, he indicated the full-back should keep his mouth shut. The response was one fingered, which just drew more 'shut it' taunts from Tevez.

It was all rather unedifying, even if it added to the sense of occasion which, once Tevez had nodded home Vincent Kompany's cross, left Mancini believing his side just have the edge despite falling behind to Ryan Giggs' early opener.

"It is not a big advantage, but it is an advantage," said Mancini.

"I am happy with the result because we were behind after 20 minutes and I felt it could be difficult.

"But we recovered, scored two goals and played well.

"They had three or four chances but, in Shay Given, we have one of the best goalkeepers.

"Now I would say we have a 51% chance."

Ferguson stared impassively ahead as Tevez was making his point. But he insisted there was no problem with his former player.

"It is just the way these things happen," he said.

"Football can be like that. It can bite you.

"We have had a few players leave the club and score against us. There is no issue. I am happy with the players we have got."