ALEJANDRO GARNACHO was dropped by Ruben Amorim following a touchline incident – reports say.
Garnacho was axed for the Manchester derby in December alongside Marcus Rashford – before being benched for the last four games.
According to the Daily Mail, trouble started during United’s Europa League clash with Viktoria Plzen just three days before the trip to City.
It is claimed Garnacho turned his back on Amorim and walked away while his manager was giving him instructions on the touchline.
But sources close to the player apparently denied that he was being disrespectful – and put it down to a misunderstanding.
Garnacho has come off the bench for United’s last three matches – all ending in defeat – having been overlooked in the starting XI.
Joshua Zirkzee started on the left against Newcastle – but was ruthlessly subbed off after just 33 minutes.
Rather tellingly, despite being a natural replacement on the wing Garnacho remained on the bench with Kobbie Mainoo replacing Zirkzee.
It has led to questions on whether the Argentine outcast fits into Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation.
Rashford meanwhile returned to the squad at Newcastle as an unused substitute following his four-match absence.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
The England international has not played since his bombshell reveal that he is “ready for a new challenge”.
And with the January transfer window now open, speculation is rife Rashford could leave his boyhood club.
But he is said to have rejected approaches from Saudi Arabia – despite reports of being offered a £35MILLION-a-year contract.
Rashford is also out of United’s squad travelling to league leaders Liverpool on Sunday due to illness.
Amorim said: “It’s the same situation. At the moment, he’s ill and he’s not training so we’ll see in the future.
“But he’s like a normal player, then I make a selection so it’s the same. I think he’s going to be out this week.
“He’s not training. We’ll see but I think this week he’s out.”
