Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Ince has said that Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho "would be absolutely mad" to select Romelu Lukaku in his XI for Sunday's Manchester derby.

Lukaku has missed United's last two matches through injury, but the Belgium international is expected to be available for the trip to Manchester City this weekend.

The 25-year-old has four Premier League goals to his name this season, but has not registered for United since the middle of September, which has led to a host of criticism.

In his absence, the 20-time English champions have beaten Bournemouth and Juventus, and Ince has insisted that "United look like a much better team" without the powerful striker.

'Even if Lukaku is fit, Mourinho would be mad to play him in the derby. There are questions around whether Romelu Lukaku will be fit, but even if he is, Mourinho would be absolutely mad to play him," Ince told Paddy Power.

"The results are plain to see. Alexis Sanchez was much improved against Juventus on Wednesday and it's no coincidence that there was no Lukaku present. And, in general, when he hasn't played, United look like a much better team."

Alexis Sanchez has started through the middle in United's last two matches.