Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted that the growing animosity from Manchester United's supporters towards Gabriel Heinze will not sway his decision over whether to select the transfer-seeking Argentinian defender.
The stand-off between player and club has led to Heinze so far being omitted from the first-team squad this season and many United fans have turned on a player once hugely popular at Old Trafford.
However, with United due to face Manchester City at Eastlands on Sunday, manager Ferguson has vowed not to be affected by the fans' feelings towards Heinze.
He said: "Whether Heinze plays will be my decision and I won't be worrying about that (fans' reaction).
"He wasn't fit to play at Portsmouth on Wednesday night, but he is training and I would pick him if I needed him.
"There is no update on his situation, but the meeting about him is on Monday, so we will know more after that."