Revealed: Injury ruled out one Man United star for City clash
Manchester United produced a near-flawless collective display to dismantle Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday.
Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu sent Old Trafford into raptures as the Red Devils sealed a commanding 2-0 derby triumph.
Michael Carrick sprung a tactical surprise by deploying Mbeumo as the central striker, leaving Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko watching from the bench.
Another eyebrow-raising omission was Joshua Zirkzee, who was nowhere to be seen in the matchday squad.
He was spotted sitting in the director’s box alongside the injured Matheus de Ligt and suspended youngster Shea Lacey.
BBC Sport have now revealed that Zirkzee missed the Manchester Derby due to injury.
It has been a frustrating campaign for the Netherlands international, who has struggled for consistent minutes.
Zirkzee has featured for just 481 minutes across 14 Premier League appearances this season.
His long-term future at Old Trafford is already under scrutiny, with AS Roma reportedly keen on securing his signature.
Several reports have suggested a possible loan move during the winter window, although United have so far shown little appetite to sanction his departure.
The 24-year-old is eager for a fresh opportunity that would offer regular football as he eyes a place at the upcoming World Cup.
With United already eliminated from both domestic cup competitions, only 16 matches remain for him to stake his claim.
The club are yet to issue an official update on the nature of Zirkzee’s injury or the length of his expected absence.
Stats from Fotmob.com
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .