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."
