Man United’s David Moyes gives Robin van Persie injury update

David Moyes Robin van Persie’s injury “isn’t that bad” after the Manchester United striker missed the 4-1 loss at Manchester City on Sunday.

The Netherlands international was a surprise absentee from the club’s match-day squad after the Red Devils forward picked up a groin strain ahead of The Etihad clash.

Moyes’ side have a League Cup tie against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Wednesday, and the United boss said Van Persie’s omission was purely a precautionary measure.

“I don’t think it’s that bad, we thought he was going to make it. He just felt something in his groin,” Moyes told United’s website.

“He did a bit of training in the last couple of days, but he just felt it when he did any sharp movements and he didn’t want to aggravate it, so we took the decision [to not play him today].”

Moyes refused to make any excuses for his Red Devils side following their derby loss to city rivals City.

“We didn’t play well enough to win the game,” Moyes said. “Manchester City played well and deserved the victory.

“If you lose four you are not expecting to win too many. We conceded poor goals. We needed to get closer in the second but they get away and score more goals.

“We never got a grip of the game and we could never really stop them. We hope to stem that tide in the second half. We got better as the game went on but it was too late.”