Maradona took in United's 3-0 win over Chelsea last weekend but left disappointed when Tevez failed to get on the pitch.

"Carlitos was very angry as he is not playing, but I advised him to take things easy," said Maradona.

Tevez is expected to get more opportunities following Rooney's hamstring injury which has ruled out the England striker for three to four weeks.

The 24-year-old has made 28 appearances in all competitions this season but he has started just eight games in the Premier League while Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov have 16 starts each.

The 1986 World Cup winner was talking at a press conference in Buenos Aires after returning to Argentina following a European tour in which he watched matches in England, Spain, Portugal and Italy in order to assess his players.

He also revealed he had sought advice from Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, who guided Brazil to World Cup success in 2002.

"Scolari told me that I have to sort out the players' heads," Maradona said.

"This is the best advice I brought back from this tour. There is no player in the national squad who plays badly, I only have to work on their heads."

About Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano, his captain, Maradona said: "I had a very fruitful talk with Mascherano.

"I've wanted to talk to him for a long time. I told him what I want from a captain."

Maradona confirmed that Barcelona striker Lionel Messi will play in the friendly against France on February 11 in Marseille.

"The European tour was marvellous because I had the chance to see Messi," Maradona said.

"I explained to Messi the part of the pitch where I want him to play. I was in a training session and (Barcelona manager Pep) Guardiola and I agreed that we both want the best for him.

"Messi is the best player in the world."

Maradona added: "At Inter I had a meeting with (Nicolas) Burdisso, (Javier) Zanetti, (Hernan) Crespo and (Walter) Samuel.

"The doors are closed to no player."