Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini believes Carlos Tevez is "destined" to score the winner in the critical derby against title rivals United.
Tevez and Mancini have evidently patched up their relationship since publicly falling out during City's Champions League clash in Munich last September, which resulted in the Argentinian going into self-imposed exile mid-season. Mancini claims he can now foresee Tevez striking the decisive blow in Monday's derby clash to put City back on top of United in the Premier League standings.
"I think Carlos is destined to score the most important goal in the history of this club," said Mancini. "This is my belief."
If City are able to snatch victory at the Etihad Stadium, they will move ahead of their closest rivals on goal difference with two games remaining this season. Mancini explained why winning a Premier League title - which would sit alongside his three Serie A crowns with Inter Milan - would rank as his finest moment as a manager.
"If we beat United to the title it would be the biggest achievement of my career," said Mancini."That's because it's in England, it's the best championship in Europe. For an Italian manager to win the Premier League would make it better than anything else I have done in the game.
"Winning trophies is important everywhere, whether it is Barcelona, Real Madrid or Manchester City. But when you win with a club like City you change history as well and that would give me a greater sense of satisfaction.
"For over 40 years they haven't won the league, so if we can do it, it will be better than at a club that's used to winning titles. One of the things that attracted me to City was the chance to change their history.
"This has always been the way in my football life - I like a challenge. Some managers go to a club that's already set up to win because it has top players. For me it's different. I've always gone to clubs who haven't won anything for a long time.
"It's important that we don't win just one championship. I want to leave a legacy. I want all the City supporters to remember me for winning many trophies and because I've worked well here.
"If you win the title there can be no debate about who is the No. 1 team in Manchester for this year at least. But United have a fantastic history and it's impossible to change that. Our targets should be to match the achievements of United, Barcelona and Real Madrid. I think that now we are set up to win many trophies in the future.
"People say it would be easier if your main title rivals were not from the same city. I don't agree. I think it's good to win the title against your neighbours, rather than a team from another part of the country. I had this in Milan with Inter. It's more satisfying to beat a local rival and it's important for Manchester to have two great teams."
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