Sunday 2 November 2014 19:13, UK
Louis van Gaal has defended Marouane Fellaini against suggestions that Manchester United's Belgium midfielder may have spat at Sergio Aguero during Sunday's Manchester derby.
Social media was left abuzz, speculating over whether footage of a first-half incident in which Fellaini stood over the fallen City striker, accusing him of having dived in the area, also showed him spitting at the Argentina international.
United manager Van Gaal said: "I've heard that it is a question on social media but if he (Fellaini) is shouting and sometimes when you shout, there's a little bit of - how do you call it, saliva? - with it. I don't think he's a spitting figure."
Van Gaal's opposite number Manuel Pellegrini said he was not aware of the incident, telling Sky Sports News HQ: "I don't know about it, I can't tell you anything."
Fellaini played poorly at the Etihad Stadium, missing a good chance to snatch a point for United in the second half when he shouldered the ball wide when attempting a header.
Aguero, on the other hand, impressed throughout and scored the winning goal in the 63rd minute when he converted Gael Clichy's cross.
