Ander Herrera has denied spitting intentionally on the Manchester City crest as the midfielder left the pitch at half-time during the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. Footage showed Herrera spitting on the crest, which was positioned just outside the player tunnel.

However a United spokesperson said: “Ander has seen the footage of the incident and is mortified at any suggestion that his actions were deliberate. It was entirely accidental and there was no intent whatsoever.”

However The Guardian understands that City believe the Spaniard spat on the crest intentionally. The Football Association may decide to review footage of the incident in the course of assessing whether to take any action against Herrera. City could make a formal complaint to the FA or the governing body may act unilaterally.