Tevez scored in the Community Shield win over Chelsea on Sunday, and the player is back at his best after going on strike for much of last season.

"I'm very happy because Carlos, this year, worked very well in pre-season," Mancini said. "His form is better than last year and, also, because I think this year he wants to play football.

"For a player, it's difficult not to play a game. Carlos, last year, was six months without a game, without a match. That's difficult. He's a top player. If he wants to play, he's one of the top."