Panic as 4 Man United Stars Absent from Squad Hours Before Manchester Derby

• Ralf Rangnick may have to contend with the absence of a number of key players when Man United take on City at Etihad
• Cristiano Ronaldo is among four United stars who were missing from the 21-man team that reported at The Lowry Hotel
• It remains unclear why the 37-year-old failed to make the team, with Rangnick now deprived of attacking options

Cristiano Ronaldo is a major doubt for Man United's clash with rivals City set for Sunday, March 6, at the Etihad Stadium.

Reports suggest the Portuguese was missing from the team that assembled on Saturday evening in preparations for the Manchester derby.

Metro UK reports United's 21-man squad reported to The Lowry Hotel on the eve of the clash but the five-time Ballon d'Or was conspicuously absent from the squad.

More Man United players missing at The Lowry Hotel

Incredibly, Ronaldo was not the only absentee at the hotel, with Edison Cavani also not making part of the team.

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The Uruguayan has missed United's last five games through injury Ralf but Rangnick had indicated he was set for a return to the camp.

Meanwhile, the defensive duo of Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw was also not in sight at The Lowry Hotel.

While players have been given permission to link up with the rest of the squad at different times, the fact that 21 players reported for duty would mean the four absent players are unlikely to be involved in the City clash.

Confirmed Man United squad members

Goalkeepers: David de Gea, Dean Henderson, Tom Heaton

Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Phil Jones, Harry Maguire, Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof, Alex Telles

Midfielders: Nemanja Matic, Scott McTominay, Fred, Paul Pogba, Hannibal Mejbri, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Bruno Fernandes

Forwards: Jadon Sancho, Anthony Elanga, Marcus Rashford

Ralf Rangnick's options for the Manchester derby

Meanwhile, in the absence of both Ronaldo and Cavani, Rangnick could be forced to let the misfiring Marcus Rashford lead the goal hunt.

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Alternatively, Bruno Fernandes could play as a false No.9 - while Rangnick has the option of youngster Anthony Elanga as well.

At the back, skipper Maguire and Victor Lindelof could be partnered in the heart of defence, with Alex Tellez slotting in for Luke Shaw.