There is never a dull moment with Mario Balotelli who has already done enough in his short Manchester City career to see him walk out of the Eastlands exit door, although Roberto Mancini continues to keep the faith in his compatriot.

Some of that faith was repaid on Sunday when Balotelli scored City’s opening two goals as part of the team’s 6-1 win at Old Trafford, with Joe Hart believing that his team-mate is now focused at City and more will come from the striker.

Hart told City TV: “I think we were all a bit unsure last season, outside and inside, what he was about.

“I think he has grown as a person and accepted who and what he is in this team. He is someone we look to.

“All the hype that comes with Mario is standard procedure. That is the beauty of football, that is what he is.

“You get these characters and sometimes it is frustrating to be with him, but not so much this season.

“His head is really screwed on and we are all 100 per cent behind him. I think everyone is delighted he is getting the right kind of love he deserves.”