Ferguson: ‘No regrets about Tevez’

(GSM) – Carlos Tevez made the difference as Manchester City claimed a 2-1 win over Manchester United in the rivals’ League Cup semi-final first leg. The Argentine striker scored two vital to sink his former club.

Sir Alex Ferguson said he had no regrets at letting the striker go. The Manchester United manager was also unmoved as Tevez repeated the cupped-ears gesture he first performed in front of his then home dug-out when trying to secure a new contract during last season’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

“It is just the way these things happen,” said Ferguson. “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.

“It will be a Manchester United crowd at Old Trafford in a week’s time for the second leg and with the occasion and what’s at stake we’ll be okay.”

Obviously, Tevez was delighted with his goals against his former club.

“It was special for me, these goals were very important and they mean a lot to me. I want to dedicate my goals to the fans of City,” said the Argentina international.

City manager Roberto Mancini doesn’t think the League Cup final, which could be the first for the Citizens since 1981, already is in sight after last night’s win.

“At Old Trafford we will start at 2-1, but we know that it will be a hard game,” said Mancini.

“We can win at Old Trafford, or we could draw, it is possible. Carlos played a big game very well and scored two important goals. We were excellent after we fell behind.

“I’m very happy for Carlos because he is an ex-United player,” added Mancini.

“I just hope he plays as well in the second game because it will be very difficult at Old Trafford.

“I don’t know whether United made a mistake letting Carlos go. I’m just happy that he now plays for us.”

City midfielder Gareth Barry also heaped praise on his teammate.

“All the talk before the game was about Carlos but he did his talking on the pitch, which is typical of him.

“The way Carlos plays, he deserved it. It’s still in the balance, we’ve got the second leg at Old Trafford and we know that will be a real battle.”