Kompany received a straight red card from referee Chris Foy for a tackle on United winger Nani, and will now serve a four-match ban after picking up his second red card of the season.

City manager Roberto Mancini will have to do without his influential centre-back for his side's next four matches, starting with Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final first leg against Liverpool.

The Belgian international will also miss the return leg at Anfield as well as vital Premier League matches against Tottenham and Wigan.

Mancini has had his options limited in recent weeks after injuries to key men Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko in the addition to the departures of Ivory Coast duo Kolo and Yaya Toure to the African Cup of Nations.