Vincent Kompany 'won't change playing style'

Manchester City's Vincent Kompany has insisted that he will not alter his hard-tackling playing style for Monday's derby encounter with Manchester United.

The Sky Blues skipper was sent off the last time the teams met, but vowed not to hold back in the vital top-of-the-table clash.

"You can't [hold back], and I don't think the fans would want it," said Kompany.

"I don't think it's possible to do it. I have not been the player I am now for two years - I have been that player since I started playing football 20 years ago."

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was critical of Kompany after the player received his marching orders for a two-footed challenge on Nani, an offence which earned him a four-match ban.

City go into Monday's game three points behind their table-topping rivals with a superior goal difference.