‘Oh no’, ‘This is honestly a bad thing for us’ – Man City fans react as Utd star ‘not with 21-man squad’ ahead Derby

Cristiano Ronaldo was among big names absent as Manchester United gathered at their team hotel before Sunday’s derby against Manchester City. United travel to the Etihad Stadium.

The Red Devils voyage across town looking to reignite their top-four challenge after a dismal 0-0 draw at home to Watford last time out.

The Manchester Evening News (MEN) always have scouts on hand to see which United players arrive at the team hotel on the eve of a game.

According to MEN, Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani were among two of four major absentees as the Man United squad assembled before the Manchester derby with City.

Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw were also not accounted for but Ronaldo’s apparent absence is bound to dominate the build-up to the confirmed team news at 3.30pm on Sunday.

Marcus Rashford could spearhead United’s attack in the absence of Ronaldo even though he has scored five goals this season.

The news was shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from Man City supporters.

“Oh no….”
Credit: @kayo_mcfc

“Advantage United.”
Credit: @VayamLahoti

“Sigh. Would rather Ronaldo played.”
Credit: @SxrgioSZN

“This is honestly a bad thing for us, they’ll just be more dangerous on the counter now ”
Credit: @GoldenBaldieSzn

“This is actually a bad thing, just means more pace on the counter for them.”
Credit: @SilkyCyrus_74

“Rashford counter attack it is.”
Credit: .@OhKevinDeBruyne

“People will joke but this is actually not a good thing.”
Credit: @mcfc_henri

Confirmed squad members

De Gea, Henderson, Heaton, Dalot, Wan-Bissaka, Jones, Maguire, Bailly, Lindelof, Telles, Matic, McTominay, Fred, Pogba, Mejbri, Lingard, Mata, Fernandes, Sancho, Elanga, Rashford