Ralf Rangnick gives update on Man Utd duo Bruno Fernandes & David De Gea after Covid reports

Ralf Rangnick has explained why Bruno Fernandes is missing Manchester United’s Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, and has clarified what happened with David De Gea’s false positive.

There were reports on Saturday that the Spaniard has tested positive for Covid-19, with follow-up claims it was in fact a false positive. After all the speculation, De Gea was indeed named in the United starting line-up to face Spurs.

Meanwhile, the Athletic claimed ahead of kick-off at Old Trafford that Fernandes has tested positive for Covid, and Rangnick provided an update just after the teams were announced, with Fernandes not involved in United’s matchday squad.

"We had a false positive test on David De Gea last night but we then decided to have a second test, which was negative, then a PCR test, which was negative again,” the German told MUTV. “That’s why we can play him after all."

Asked about Fernandes, Rangnick said: “He got ill yesterday and could not train and play. Hopefully he’s available for Tuesday [against Atletico Madrid].”

Fernandes’s absence means he is a major doubt for United’s Champions League last-16 second leg at Old Trafford, with the sides drawing 1-1 during the first meeting.

Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay are also doubts for the game, and neither are involved against Spurs, with the latter suffering from a calf problem while Shaw was still testing positive for Covid on Friday, Rangnick confirmed in his press conference.

Raphael Varane, like Shaw, missed the Manchester derby last week due to a positive result, but has recovered in time for the clash with Spurs.