Why Luke Shaw missed Manchester United's clash with Manchester City

Luke Shaw was left out of Manchester United’s squad for the derby (Picture: Action Plus/Shutterstock)

Michael Carrick has confirmed Luke Shaw was unavailable for Manchester United’s clash with Manchester City after suffering a ‘very small’ injury setback.

Shaw started all three of United’s opening Premier League matches against Hull City, Ipswich and Everton .

However, the 31-year-old was given a ‘designated rest day’ for the Red Devils’ Champions League contest with Sabah on Thursday night, along with fellow defender Matthijs de Ligt .

Shaw was therefore expected to return to Carrick’s starting XI for this weekend’s derby at Old Trafford given 19-year-old academy product Harry Amass is the only other specialist left-back at the club this season.

United had been exploring options in the summer transfer market to strengthen the position but failed to bring in any cover for Shaw, with Newcastle blocking a move for top target Lewis Hall.

It means Patrick Dorgu has been given the nod at left-back this afternoon, lining up alongside Lisandro Martinez , Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot in a new-look back four.

Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo start in midfield behind club captain, while Bryan Mbeumo and Marcus Rashford support Matheus Cunha in attack at the Theatre of Dreams.

Dorgu starts in place of Shaw at Old Trafford (Picture: Getty)

Asked how close Shaw was to making his starting XI, Carrick told Sky Sports: ‘Close, very close but just not quite there.