Manchester United's Robin van Persie not fit to play in Sunday's derby

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed that striker Robin van Persie will play no part in Sunday's derby against local rivals Manchester City.

The Dutchman, who has been out of action for seven weeks with an ankle injury, gave a shred of hope that he could play at Old Trafford this weekend by confirming this week that he has returned to training.

However, Van Gaal told MUTV this afternoon that while Van Persie is back on the training field, he is not fit enough to compete against Manuel Pellegrini's side.

The former Netherlands manager has also revealed that he is yet to make a decision regarding places in the team for Chris Smalling, who has been suffering with illness, and Luke Shaw.

United are currently third in the Premier League table, one point above City, who occupy the final Champions League spot.