Manchester United have insisted the decision to drop Alejandro Garnacho for Sunday's clash with Manchester City had nothing to do with rumours that he's behind a series of team leaks hampering Ruben Amorim's side.
The winger had been expected to feature at the Etihad Stadium but, hours before kick off, it emerged he wouldn't be involved.
Both Garnacho and Marcus Rashford were left out, with the fallen giants proceeding to stage a remarkable comeback to stun Pep Guardiola's team in their own stadium.
Josko Gvardiol's header had looked as though it would be the only goal of the game, with the former RB Leipzig star notching in the 36th minute.
Alejandro Garnacho: Man Utd dropped the winger for their pulsating 2-1 win over Man City on Sunday
PA
Yet Bruno Fernandes levelled from the penalty spot with two minutes left on the clock, with Amad Diallo then netting a superb winner at the death.
It was a stunning win for United but the decision to leave both Garnacho and Rashford out has surprised many fans and pundits alike.
Earlier this week, on social media, rumours swirled that Garnacho was one of the players leaking line ups to the media.
United's team for their clash with City was actually published on X nearly 24 hours before kick off.
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Yet a United source has told PA that the decision to leave Garnacho out has nothing to do with the allegations against him.
There is nothing to substantiate the claims that the Argentina international is the mole in the camp.
And Garnacho and Rashford could both return to the United squad for Thursday night's blockbuster Carabao Cup clash with Tottenham.
Amorim, when asked about the duo, insisted the pair were left out simply because he'd conducted an 'evaluation'.
"We try to evaluate everything - training, performance, game performance, engagement with the teammates, push the teammates up," he said before kick off.
"Everything is on the line when we analyse and try to choose the players, so it was my selection. Simple.
"I don't want to send a message (to the dressing room with this). It's simply an evaluation, and they know it.
"The players are really, really smart and so everybody understands my decision and I have to choose. It's just a simple selection.
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Alejandro Garnacho: Man Utd have insisted the decision to drop the winger for Sunday's win over Man City has nothing to do with rumours that he's leaking team news
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"Of course the context is difficult - we have to win games and we have a difficult situation now.
"But, like I said, I pay attention to everything - the way you eat, the way you put on your clothes to go the game. Everything.
"I make my evaluation and then I have to decide. I have a lot of players to choose (from) and today I did my choice."
When asked how the pair found out, he added: "It's the same all the time and they all understand.
Alejandro Garnacho: Marcus Rashford was also dropped from the squad as Man Utd beat Man City on Sunday
PA
"There's a communication that after the last training is going to the WhatsApp, and then they receive the information. But they are alright, they had training this morning.
"I was there because it's important for every player… even Jonny Evans because Jonny Evans also (trained) and Toby (Collyer) was there and everything was OK. They trained really well."
