Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson is angry with Sir Alex Ferguson after the Manchester United manager branded his team a bunch of kickers.

Eriksson fumed: "I'm not going to tell my players to go and kick them. That is not our tactics I promise you.

"I do not have a team that will concentrate on that but concentrate on playing football. That is our strength."

The Swede reacted after Fergie was asked whether he thought City would be over-enthusiastic with their tackling as in past derbies.

Fergie said: "Yes I think it will be the same. It's up to the referee to be strong. Derby games always see City with a point to prove."

But Eastlands boss Eriksson added: "I have not bought players famous for kicking opponents but players famous for their quality."