Van Persie to miss derby
Robin van Persie will not play in Manchester United's derby against City on Sunday despite returning to first-team training.
The Dutch striker trained with his team-mates for the first time this week since he suffered an ankle injury against Swansea on February 21, but he will not be risked as manager Louis van Gaal does not believe he is match fit.
Defender Jonny Evans is suspended, Luke Shaw is out with a hamstring problem, Chris Smalling is a doubt through illness and midfielder Andreas Pereira is away with the Brazil Under-20 side.
Van Gaal lost in his first meeting with City last November when Sergio Aguero scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory for the Blues.
That was United's fourth successive loss to their neighbours, and Van Gaal is determined to avoid another reverse on Sunday when Manuel Pellegrini's men come to Old Trafford.
"I dream of it, every player shall dream of the victory," the United boss said.
Bragging rights are not the only thing at stake this weekend.
Victory would strengthen United's grip on third place as they would then be four points clear of their 'noisy neighbours'.
A third-placed finish would guarantee direct entry into the Champions League and that is what Van Gaal is aiming for.
"You want to win because it is a big step in the table also," he said.
"When you win, third place is then reachable and a month ago nobody was thinking about that, besides me, of course.
"Third is good because you are certainly qualified for the Champions League and then we do better than the goal that was set in pre-season."
City captain Vincent Kompany is doubtful with a hamstring injury.
Kompany felt the muscle tighten during Monday's defeat at Crystal Palace and will undergo a fitness test.
Strikers Wilfried Bony (ankle/knee) and Stevan Jovetic are also out, as is defender Dedryck Boyata (knee).
City have won just four of their last 11 Premier League games and also gone out of the FA Cup and Champions League during that timespan.
In his analysis of performances, boss Manuel Pellegrini has often suggested he does not feel there is much wrong with his team.
But he is well aware that, if he does keep his job, there could be a big summer ahead. Despite all the narrow defeats where he has felt his team has been unlucky, he recognises that the squad could need some significant remodelling.
He said: "We must improve a lot of things. We are not doing all wrong - but we must improve.
"I analyse the games and we have a lot of possession - I don't remember many saves from Joe Hart and we are defending well, but we must improve our movement because we are playing always against eight, nine or 10 men behind the ball. We are not doing enough in that moment to score the goals.
"We are not doing it all badly but we must improve our attacking play. We need to create more chances. We are creating a lot but we cannot win, so maybe we need to create double."
Source: PA
