Cristiano Ronaldo has been ruled out of today’s Manchester derby.
Doubts first emerged that Ronaldo had suffered an injury on Saturday night when he was not spotted with the Manchester United squad when they arrived at their hotel.
And Ronaldo has not travelled with the United squad to the Etihad Stadium.
There is also no Raphael Varane, Edinson Cavani or Luke Shaw in the United squad.
“We had two Covid cases in midweek, with Rafa and with Luke,” said United interim boss Ralf Rangnick. “Cristiano had some problems with his hip flexor again on Friday and that is why they are not available.”
Jadon Sancho fills the void left up top by Ronaldo.
Ronaldo is United’s top scorer this season with 15 goals in 30 appearances in all competitions.
His injury is a blow for United in their pursuit of a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.
Captain Harry Maguire returns at centre-back in place of Varane against City as Ralf Rangnick makes three changes to the team held to a goalless draw by Watford last weekend.
Elsewhere, Scott McTominay comes in for Nemanja Matic in midfield.
