Man United close training ground over fresh COVID-19 outbreak

Manchester United, yesterday, closed their first-team operations at the club’s training ground and were in discussions about the possible postponement of today’s Premier League fixture at Brentford after some players and staff tested positive for COVID-19.

It is understood some of United’s U-23 players have also tested positive. The expectation is the first team’s match at Brentford will be postponed and the visit of Brighton on Saturday could also be in doubt, but United sources say it is too early to tell.

The academy and women’s teams are able to continue training at Carrington because of the segregation of bubbles.

In a statement, United said: “Manchester United can confirm that following PCR test confirmation of yesterday’s positive LFT (lateral flow tests) COVID-19 cases among the first-team staff and players, the decision has been taken to close down first-team operations at the Carrington Training Complex for 24 hours, to minimise the risk of any further infection. Individuals who tested positive are isolating per Premier League protocols.

“Given the cancellation of training and disruption to the squad, and with the health of players and staff the priority, The club is in discussion with the Premier League whether it is safe for today’s fixture against Brentford to continue, both from a COVID-19 infection and player preparation perspective.

“Team and staff travel to London will be deferred pending the result of that discussion.”

Club sources have confirmed on Sunday a small number of players and staff tested positive for COVID-19 and were sent home before training.

The whole group who travelled to Norwich had initially tested negative but, subsequently, a small number of lateral flow tests among players and staff returned positive results.

United’s non-starters against Norwich who had tested negative were able to train outside at Carrington on Sunday and United were scheduled to train yesterday afternoon before flying to London for this night’s game.

Some United staff members reported for work at Carrington yesterday.