Vincent Kompany admits 'disappointment' over exclusion, but denies rift with Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini

Kompany started on the bench in the two games prior to the Manchester derby

Vincent Kompany has dismissed claims that he has fallen out with Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini.

Kompany started on the bench in the two games prior to the Manchester derby after he went against Pellegrini's wishes and played for Belgium against Israel.

Pellegrini did not want his captain to play for his national side because he was carrying a calf injury.

The City boss recalled the centre-back for Sunday's game at Old Trafford and, after the 0-0 draw, the captain played down reports of a rift between him and his manager.

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

"I was disappointed to be left out of the team but it is all about opinions.

"There is no problem with me and the manager."

Kompany was partly responsible for keeping Wayne Rooney at bay on another frustrating afternoon for the United captain.

Rooney failed to register one attempt at goal during a derby that will be quickly forgotten by supporters of both teams.

Louis van Gaal bristled at the first mention of the 30-year-old in his post-match press conference.

"I have to talk every week about Rooney, why?" the United manager said.

"You have your opinion - write it. I don't give any more answers about Wayne Rooney. I am sick of them."

In fairness to Rooney, he was not the only one who struggled to make an impact on what was a poor game devoid of risk-taking bravado or entertainment.

Without Sergio Aguero or David Silva, City looked toothless in attack.

Yaya Toure had two chances to open the scoring at the end of the first half but fluffed them both while Chris Smalling and Jesse Lingard went close for the hosts.

Pellegrini admitted he altered his tactics in order to play more defensively and get the point that was required to send his team back to the top of the league.

He said: "We are back at the top of the table.

"It was a very tactical game. I prefer to play in another way but we defended well.

"Unfortunately for the fans it was not a very attractive game. We are two creative teams but we could not do it today.

"If you can't win, then don't lose it. People have said that we can't defend and in the second half we did very well.

"I am satisfied with a point but I don't like to play this way."

Van Gaal was unhappy United were not awarded a penalty for a foul by Raheem Sterling on Ander Herrera in the box after the break.

"It was a penalty but the referee was not giving us that benefit and of course it is difficult to see," the Dutchman said.

Meanwhile, Antonio Valencia has emerged as a doubt for Wednesday's Capital One Cup match against Middlesbrough after being substituted against City because of a foot injury.

"He had a kick on his foot in the first half and then I let (Matteo) Darmian warm up on the touchline," Van Gaal told MUTV.

"But then he played further. However, at the end, he could not continue."

PA