London - Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has failed in his bid to be fit for Sunday's Premier League derby against Manchester City, manager Louis van Gaal said on Friday.
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 the game against City at Old Trafford had come too soon for his compatriot.