Man United handed huge boost ahead of Man City clash

Man United manager Jose Mourinho will take any break he can get this week, having seen his side thumped 4-0 by Antonio Conte’s Chelsea on Sunday, but it seems he may have got a big one.

The Red Devils play hosts to fierce rivals Man City in the EFL Cup on Wednesday, having already lost 2-1 to them in the league at Old Trafford.

However, Sky Blues boss Pep Guardiola will be without star playmaker Kevin de Bruyne who has been ruled out of the clash having picked up a knock in the 1-1 draw with Southampton on Sunday.

Speaking ahead of the second Manchester derby of the season, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss said:

“Kevin cannot play. No way. He had a big knock in the leg. Hopefully he can play against West Brom, but I don’t know.”

The Belgium international has been one of the standout performers in the blue half of Manchester so far this season, scoring two goals and setting up a further six in 12 outings.

The Spanish boss also confirmed that he would be without Pablo Zabaleta and that fans should expect a fair amount of rotation for the tie.