After losing twice to their close rivals in the league last season - not to mention the Carling Cup - the Italian felt his team had taken a step forward.
Asked whether City were getting closer to United, Mancini said: "I think so. We just need more time. We are improving. I prefer one point to zero points, which was the case last season.
"When you play in a derby it is a difficult game. We did not have many chances to score but it was a good point.
"We tried to win but they defended very well. We play to win but when you do not have many chances it is difficult."
Source: PA
Source: PA