Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw out of Manchester derby through COVID-19

Manchester United's Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw have both missed out against Manchester City on Sunday afternoon after testing positive for COVID-19.

The defensive duo were notable absentees when the Man United squad assembled on Saturday evening, and it had initially been thought that the pair were injured.

However, it has been confirmed ahead of kickoff at the Etihad Stadium that both players tested positive for coronavirus in the middle of last week.

Varane's absence means that Harry Maguire will operate alongside Victor Lindelof in the middle of the defence, while Alex Telles has come in for Shaw at left-back.

Leading goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo is also not in the squad for the Manchester derby, with the Portugal international missing out against Pep Guardiola's side due to a hip problem.

All three players will hope to have recovered in time for next weekend's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.