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Kompany has ‘no problem’ with Pellegrini

The City skipper was restored to play a full part in his 19th and, arguably, most forgettable Manchester derby – a turgid contest of few chances at Old Trafford.

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And Kompany, who returned to the starting line-up, acknowledged defences were on top and insisted he had no problems with manager Manuel Pellegrini after his previous substitute appearances.

But Kompany says his club and global commitments may continue to cause ructions.

“They are two very important teams that have different goals and ambitions and it’s just normal that stuff like this happens”.

“Now it is time to be focused on the game, forgetting about the Champions League – hopefully we did that job on Wednesday – and play a good game on Sunday”.

“Everyone knows how much this game means to me”, Kompany told Sky Sports.

“I’m not punishing Vincent and I don’t have any problem with my relationship with him”.

He had been left out the clashes with Bournemouth and Sevilla after playing for Belgium during the worldwide break against Pellegrini’s wishes.

“I have to talk every week about Rooney, why?” the United manager said in the news conference after the 0-0 draw.

The Belgian said: “I don’t know how it looked from the outside but it didn’t feel like a dynamic derby”.

‘I work hard, always. “I don’t need anyone giving me any explanation”. I’m always positive for the team.

“We don’t want praise, we want points. If other players do well I’m by definition also satisfied”.

Pellegrini warned Kompany last week he was no longer untouchable at the Etihad, stressing his place in the side has to be earned.

“Competition for places has always been the case at City. It’s a nice stat to have but I’ve no intention of finishing so if I’m asked in ten years” time, I might be a bit more interested’.

Kompany has played in five Premier League matches this season, scoring twice, but has missed the last four due to injury and the subsequent disagreement with his manager, according to the Mail. “It’s necessary. Sometimes you get the best out of a team with that competition but that’s true for every position, not just my position”.

The 170th meeting between the two sides was one of the most boring in recent memory.

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Manchester United enjoyed the best two chances as Jesse Lingard hit the bar and Chris Smalling had a shot tipped past the post, with the hosts looking for the win.

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     NO PROBLEMS Kompany says he has no issues with Pellegrini