The absence of Mason Greenwood was always going to hamper the hopes of Manchester United when they faced Man City in the 'mini-derby' on Saturday lunchtime.

However, it is testament to his true ability that in his absence United side's lack of stardust was so painfully apparent.

Much has been written about the lethal 17-year-old, comparisons with Paulo Dybala and Robin van Persie might make eyelids roll, but there is some justification behind the audacious claims which already surround the teenage sensation.

Greenwood has netted 26 goals across all age groups this season, and how badly did Neil Ryan's side need another masterclass against a well-drilled City team on Saturday morning.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted the young striker was in contention to travel with the rest of the first-team squad to face Chelsea on Monday night, but an unfortunate injury has cut short such illustrious dreams.

"Then you’re looking at young players. Mason Greenwood, it’s your time to step in - and he’s injured as well unfortunately," the Norwegian coach said.

“Sometimes that’s how the luck goes - but Mason will get his chance.

“We’ve got still got forward options – Angel Gomes and Tahith Chong have been training with us all week, so there’s a big chance they’ll be involved.”

If lady luck had shone as brightly as the rare Manchester sun on Saturday morning then Greenwood would be preparing to make his long-awaited first-team debut. Instead, he was forced to watch on as his U18s teammates fell to defeat against City.

The Bradford-born youngster had already earned his first call-up under the guidance of former manager Jose Mourinho, but remained as unused substitute during the Champions league defeat away at Valencia late last year.

United still looked bright in Greenwood's absence but their lack of a focal figurehead was apparent throughout the encounter.

In contrast City were exciting up top, in fact all three of their goals came from outside the box as Felix Nmecha bagged a brilliant brace which bookmarked another brilliant effort from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

That said there were a few spirited displays for United supporters to get excited about, Dylan Levitt again looked cool and composed in midfield as he fought hard during the derby encounter.

A quick glance at the result will likely lead many supporters to presume United had been second-best throughout, but it could have been a very different result has Greenwood been fit.

Early in both halves Ryan's side started the better and got in behind the open City defence, but despite their promise it was to be a disappointing match as they crashed out in the semi-finals of the U18 Premier League Cup.

As is always the case at youth level, the manner of performance matters far more than grinding out wins for United. However, there will always be a sense of 'what if' had the U18s had their superstar fit for the fixture.