Jose Mourinho downplaying derby can backfire for Manchester United, says Vincent Kompany

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany believes bitter rivals Manchester United have handed his team an advantage by playing down today’s League Cup local derby at Old Trafford.

The injurred Belgium international defender started a game for the first time since April in Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Southampton and came through intact as City gained a point that put them top of the table on goal difference.

Now City’ captainfaiths to hold his place for the EFL Cup fourth-round tie, especially as United manager Jose Mourinho beaten 4-0 at his old side Chelsea on Sunday has described the competition as being fourth on his club’s list of priorities. “It’s just physically impossible for me to play down a derby,” said Kompany.

“But the more they say this is the fourth competition, the better it is for us. Am I looking forward to the derby? Come on, always. The bigger the game, the better. That’s how I’ve always approached it in my career and I will for the rest of my career. Those games are what you play for.”

City hold the League Cup after beating Liverpool on penalties in a Wembley final in February, but they make the journey across Manchester on a run of five league and cup games without victory.

However, the return of a fully fit Kompany is a major boost for a City defence that appears determined to implode at least once a game.