Manchester Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes his side are edging ever closer to Manchester United.
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes his side are edging ever closer to Manchester United.
Mancini declared himself satisfied with Wednesday night's goalless draw at Eastlands and denied his team were too defensive.
A few jeers rang out around the ground at the end but the Italian is convinced City are on the right track.
He said: "When you play in a derby it is a difficult game. We did not have many chances to score but it was a good point.
"We tried to win but they defended very well. We play to win but when you do not have many chances it is difficult."
Asked whether City were getting closer to United, Mancini said: "I think so. We just need more time.
"We are improving. I prefer one point to zero points, which was the case last season."
Former United striker Carlos Tevez came close to making the breakthrough with a superb free-kick in the first half after overcoming a thigh injury.
Tevez's effort cleared the wall but Edwin van der Sar pushed the ball to safety.
Mancini praised the Argentina striker, who had little support, after he returned on Sunday from a break to help the team beat West Brom and end a run of three straight defeats.
"Carlos is an important player for us, said the City boss. "He played well against a strong defence.
