I am very happy with Tevez, says Mancini

IT was as if Roberto Mancini had borrowed a line straight out of the Alex Ferguson book of gamesmanship.

“United start as favourites this year,” the City manager said last week. “We are maybe in second, third or fourth position. When you win something it is important to improve.”

No one bought it at the time but Mancini’s claims looked even more ludicrous during a 12-minute period at Villa Park on Sunday when City cut 10-man Chelsea to ribbons and scored three scintillating goals that ultimately settled the Community Shield.

The Premier League champion may still be some way short of where Mancini wants it to be, but as the new season approaches, it is clear the club is still very much the force to be reckoned with.

“City are the favourites, there is no doubt,” Chelsea’s manager, Roberto Di Matteo, said after his side’s 2-3 defeat. “They are the champions and we have to catch up 25 points from last season.

“Manchester United will be chasing City as well. They have kept the squad together, I am not sure whether they are going to make any other signings but they are a strong team.”

Source: Guardian