Man Utd stars arrive at training after coronavirus scare following Stoke boss’ diagnosis just before friendly was axed
MANCHESTER UNITED stars drive into training this morning following yesterday’s coronavirus scare. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were due to take on Stoke in a friendly but it was axed at the last minute after Potters boss Michael O’Neill tested positive for Covid-19. Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial were among the United players back […]
MANCHESTER UNITED stars drive into training this morning following yesterday’s coronavirus scare.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were due to take on Stoke in a friendly but it was axed at the last minute after Potters boss Michael O’Neill tested positive for Covid-19.
Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial were among the United players back to work this morning.
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And they looked in a business-like mood as they made their arrival at Carrington.
United last night insisted that none of their players had been put in danger.
Stoke confirmed O’Neill, 50, had contracted coronavirus in a statement on Tuesday evening.
The former Northern Ireland chief will now self-isolate for a period of seven days.
A statement from the Championship side said: “Stoke City can confirm that manager Michael O’Neill has tested positive for the Covid-19 virus following the latest round of testing on Monday.
“O’Neill had tested negative in the previous five rounds of testing.
“He will now follow the relevant guidance and undergo a period of isolation, whilst continuing to be in regular virtual contact with his coaching staff and players.
“Assistant manager Billy McKinlay will take charge of training as the Potters prepare for their game against Reading on June 20.”
Once the news came through the game, which was to be played at Carrington, was immediately called off and boss Solskjaer – who says he would love Cristiano Ronaldo back at Old Trafford – instead organised an intra-squad practice game.
It is understood that none of the Stoke players went into any areas where their Prem opponents were based due to protocols set in place.
The Stoke players immediately left Carrington – none of whom had come into contact with any United players.
United would have been hoping to step up their preparations, having hosted an intra-squad friendly at Old Trafford on Saturday.
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But it is now back to square one ahead of their Premier League return away to Spurs next Friday night.
In addition to their final nine league matches, United will also fight for FA Cup and Europa League glory in the coming months.
The Red Devils have been back in training for around three weeks now, having gradually stepped it up to full contact and training matches.