Concerns are growing that United may need to postpone their game with Brighton on Saturday
Manchester United’s players have reportedly returned further positive Covid tests following the postponement of their Premier League game with Brentford on Tuesday.
United were struck by the outbreak after their win at Norwich at the weekend and temporarily closed their training facilities in an attempt to limit the spread of the virus.
Having returned to their Carrington training complex on Wednesday, players were ordered to take lateral flow and PCR tests on arrival. After this, the Mail report that at least two players tested positive and were sent home.
Reports earlier in the day had claimed there were as many as 19 cases amongst United players and staff, a figure which casts doubt on if the club will be able to field a team to face Brighton at the weekend.
Graham Potter’s side, who have faced a recent Covid outbreak of their own, are due to visit Old Trafford for the Premier League’s early kick-off on Saturday. United are in touch with the Premier League about their situation.
During the partial closure of Carrington on Tuesday, United’s women team’s and academy side were able to continue training.
While it remains unclear whether the game against Brighton will go ahead, Watford’s game at Burnley was postponed on Wednesday night on medical advice after it was revealed that Watford were experiencing an ongoing outbreak.
The situation left the Hornets with an “insufficient number of first-team players available to fulfil the match” and the Premier League – who treat each situation on a case-by-case basis – opted to cancel the fixture.
Related links:
- Burnley vs Watford postponed after Covid outbreak in Hornets squad
- The UK just recorded the highest number of new Covid infections since the pandemic began
- EXPLAINED: How to register for Premier League and EFL matches this Christmas
