Van Gaal reveals Van Persie has failed in bid to be fit for Man U's PL derby against Man City

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed that their striker Robin van Persie has failed in his bid to be fit for Sunday's Premier League derby against Manchester City.

Van Persie scored the winner the last time United beat City - a 3-2 away victory in December 2012.

The Netherlands international has returned to training after suffering an ankle injury in United's defeat by Swansea City in February, but Van Gaal said that the game against City at Old Trafford had come too soon for his compatriot, Sport24 reported.

The Dutchman said that Van Persie is not fit enough to play, adding that he doesn't think defender Luke Shaw is fit enough to play, but he insisted that he cannot say they are not fit. He said that in his opinion, they are not fit to play.

United have risen to third in the Premier League table with their recent fine form which has saw them win their last five games in the league. They are currently eight points adrift of leaders Chelsea but one point ahead of City.

Van Gaal has found success by using Wayne Rooney further forward, Juan Mata on the right, and Marouane Fellaini as a deep-lying target man, anchored by a midfield combination of Michael Carrick and Ander Herrera, the report added.