LONDON (AFP) - Manchester City women's player Toni Duggan has issued an apology after being photographed with Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal following his side's victory in the Manchester derby.

England international Duggan, 23, posted a picture on Instagram of herself alongside van Gaal at a restaurant shortly after United's 4-2 defeat of City in the Premier League on Sunday.

But following criticism from City fans, she removed the post and has now apologised for her actions on Facebook.

"I would like to apologise to all MCFC fans for the error of judgment I made last night (Sunday)," wrote Duggan.

"I now appreciate the significance of my actions and can assure everyone connected with Manchester City that I am proud to represent the club and wear the shirt."

Duggan bumped into van Gaal at a Manchester restaurant while celebrating her side's 3-1 win over Birmingham City Ladies in the FA Women's Cup quarter-finals.