Ferguson hails 'strong' Mancini

Alex Ferguson today praised Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini for his “strong management” in dealing with Carlos Tevez’ apparent refusal to play in midweek.

The Manchester United boss would not speak directly about Tevez, a former player at the club, but said Mancini had handled the incident well.

Ferguson told a news conference: “I think that Roberto Mancini has come out and shown his strength of character, his strength of management and I think that is important.

“We have all experienced our own difficulties in management and you cope with it as best as you can. In my own experience strong management is important and there is nobody more important than the manager at a football club.”

Wayne Rooney has recovered from a hamstring injury and will be available for Norwich’s visit tomorrow, as will be Javier Hernandez and Jonny Evans who missed the Champions League match against Basle on Tuesday.

Chris Smalling and Nemanja Vidic are still injured but should be back after the international break along with Tom Cleverley.