Man Utd shut down first-team operations for 24 hours amid COVID-19 outbreak

Manchester United have shut down first-team operations at their training ground in Carrington for 24 hours as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak among players and staff.

Those who have tested positive are isolating in accordance with the protocols, while travel for Tuesday night’s Premier League fixture against Brentford in London has been postponed until discussions with the Premier League over safety have taken place.

“Manchester United can confirm that following PCR test confirmation of yesterday’s positive LFT 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 risk of any further infection,” a club statement on Monday afternoon read.

“Individuals who tested positive are isolating per Premier League protocols.

“Given 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 infection and player preparation perspective.

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

It is not known which players or staff are directly affected, but several tested positive the day after United beat Norwich in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

For more from Jamie Spencer, follow him on Twitter and Facebook!