As reported by Manchester Evening News, Man United players have returned to their Carrington training grounds today to resume training operations following a Covid-19 outbreak that forced the club’s headquarters to close for 24 hours.
United’s training ground was forced to close for a period on Monday in order to combat and limit the spread of the infection, with players only returning on Wednesday morning.
As a result, United’s Premier League match against newly-promoted Brentford on Thursday night has been postponed, though there is still optimism that they will be back in time for the weekend.
Players arrived one by one, with Brazilian midfielder Fred being one of the first to pass through the Carrington gates, followed by Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial. On Saturday the Red Devils are slated to meet Graham Potter’s Brighton at Old Trafford.
The club’s official website released a statement regarding the matter:
“Manchester United can confirm that following PCR test confirmation of yesterday’s positive LFT [lateral flow test] 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 minimize 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 Tuesday’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.”
On Monday, the players reported to the training facilities at 10.30 a.m. for PCR tests, after which they were sent home to await the findings.
Physiotherapists and backroom personnel stayed at Carrington to await results before travelling later. Around 2 p.m., club personnel was informed that the players would not be returning for customary pre-match practice.
United’s senior players will return today for another round of testing before being told whether they can stay on-site and participate in the day’s training session.
United staff members have returned to Carrington today, with the Women’s squad, men’s U23s, and U18s all scheduled to continue their preparation.
