Brentford vs Manchester United: Covid outbreak update from club places fixture in doubt

The Red Devils’ Premier League clash on Tuesday is now in doubt.
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Manchester United’s Premier League game with Brentford is in doubt after the club announced on Monday afternoon they had closed their training facilities after a recent Covid outbreak.

Via an official statement the club said: “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.

United have never played Brentford before in the Premier League. Credit: Getty.United have never played Brentford before in the Premier League. Credit: Getty.
United have never played Brentford before in the Premier League. Credit: Getty.
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“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.”

Ronaldo netted the winner against Norwich on Saturday. Credit: Getty.Ronaldo netted the winner against Norwich on Saturday. Credit: Getty.
Ronaldo netted the winner against Norwich on Saturday. Credit: Getty.

What do we know so far?

ManchesterWorld were told by club sources on Monday that the group who travelled to Norwich on Saturday all tested negative pre-match, but some individuals registered a positive result on Sunday at the training ground.

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It is unclear whether any of the positive tests are for players or staff or if any of the party that went to Norwich have tested positive, but we do know the individuals are in the first-team bubble and that anyone who has registered a positive result has since been sent home and is isolating.

The club had originally planned to train on Monday afternoon, but that has since been cancelled.

Will Brentford v United go ahead?

That seems unlikely given the Red Devils’ lack of preparation, and there’s a genuine risk of spreading covid to other teams at present.

Given that discussions are ongoing with the Premier League and the team are yet to travel, it is highly unlikely the match will go ahead.