The Old Trafford chief is confident that Tevez can enjoy an even more productive year after improving his fitness levels.

"Carlos came to us a year ago, straight after the Copa America," said Ferguson.

"His fitness now is light years ahead of where it was then and we are expecting big things from him.

"The great thing about Tevez is that he has a heart to play the game. He is not intimidated at all, he fights for every ball and is a real handful.

"The decision to make him man of the match was fully justified.

"It was a superb performance. He was a constant thorn to Portsmouth and it is just a pity he did not get a goal."