December 21, (THEWILL) – Manchester United is welcoming back players after a COVID-19 outbreak caused them to shut down their training facilities.
The Red Devils’ Premier League matches against Brentford and Brighton were postponed after many players and staff members tested positive for coronavirus.
However, according to the Manchester Evening News, the facility has been reopened, and at least 20 first-team players have returned to training as of Tuesday.
Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire, and Raphael Varane were among the key first-team players seen reporting to Carrington, but Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba, and Jadon Sancho were noteworthy absentees.
Following confirmation that United’s trip to Brentford had been cancelled, Carrington shut down first-team operations on Tuesday, as THEWILL reported.
They reopened in the days after that in preparation for their home match against Brighton, but were closed again after that match was cancelled in another bid to halt the spread of Covid-19 among the players, only reopening on Tuesday morning.
Man Utd’s next match is away at Newcastle on Monday, by which time new coronavirus restrictions could be in place in England – Wales has already announced that sporting events in the country will have to be held behind closed doors starting on Boxing Day, affecting EFL clubs Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport.
Despite an increase in Covid cases in the UK, the Premier League and EFL clubs, who are fiercely opposed to the thought of playing games completely behind closed doors again due to the financial strain it would bring, agreed to continue the English football season on Monday.
United has stated in a second press release that fans would be required to show their COVID status – in accordance with Government rules – for the home game against Burnley on December 30 and all future fixtures.
Fans must bring one of the following items when they arrive:
• Proof of double vaccination using a valid NHS COVID Pass, valid COVID-19 status (for those from Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Jersey, or Guernsey), or a recognised international equivalent is required.
• A genuine text or email confirmation of a negative lateral flow or PCR test performed within the last 48 hours is required.
• Proof of medical exemption is required (via NHS COVID Pass or accepted equivalent proof of exemption).
Supporters over the age of 18 will be denied entry to Old Trafford if they do not provide one of the above documents.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
