Carlos the destroyer

MANCHESTER City manager Roberto Mancini watched hat–trick hero Carlos Tevez smash Blackburn Rovers at Eastlands last night — then admitted he tried to buy him two years ago.

Tevez’s terrific three–timer, his first since scoring four against Rovers for Manchester United in a Carling Cup tie 13 months ago, took his tally for the season to 15 — one more than Wayne Rooney.

Mancini is now thanking his luck that he now has the chance to work with the Argentina ace, who inspired City to a 4-1 win.

“When I was in Italy and watched him on television I thought Carlos was a good player,” he said afterwards.

“I wanted him to come to Inter. I asked about him. But of course, there was no chance because he was at United.

“To score three goals, three very good goals, for us is very special — but everyone knows how good he is.”

Four straight wins under Mancini have taken City into the FA Cup fourth round and, far more importantly, into a top–four spot, which would be enough to secure a place in the Champions League qualifying round.

But as they sit seven points adrift of leaders Chelsea, Mancini could be forgiven for looking much higher.


PATRICK VIEIRA failed to overcome a calf injury in time to make his City debut last night.