Manchester United midfielder denies deliberately spitting on Manchester City badge

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has denied spitting on the Manchester City badge during their game over the weekend.

Footage filmed at half-time of Saturday's Manchester derby shows the Spain international spitting on the badge near the players’ tunnel.

Manchester United were 2-0 down at half-time however a stunning second half comeback saw them claim a 3-2 victory at the Etihad.

A Manchester United official was questioned over the spitting incident and his response was: “Ander has seen the footage of the incident and is mortified at any suggestion that his actions were deliberate.

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

"It was entirely accidental and there was no intent whatsoever.”

The Manchester United derby was Herrera's first start since United's Champions League first leg draw against Sevilla in February.

Manchester City are yet to make their stand on the incident, although sources close to the club described Herrera's action as “disrespectful and immature”.