Man Utd stars in coronavirus near miss as positive test forces Stoke to leave Carrington
Posted Wednesday, June 10, 2020 by Express.co.uk
Manchester United were set to face Stoke in a friendly, however, the game was abandoned.
Manchester United stars were involved in a coronavirus near miss after Stoke boss Michael O'Neill tested positive before a friendly at Carrington. The Red Devils were supposed to take on the Championship side on Tuesday.
However, when O'Neill tested positive for Covid-19, the game was abandoned.
United stars, including Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes, were locked down in a different part of Carrington to protect them.
A Red Devils spokesperson says no United players came in contact with any of Stoke's travelling party.
A training ground source told the Mirror: “United's players were getting ready for the game but all of a sudden there was chaos as the positive test was confirmed.
Man Utd news: United were set to face Stoke in a friendly (Image: GETTY)
"Stoke were rushed out of the Academy very quickly indeed. United's officials didn't hang about – they had Stoke out of there really quickly as you'd imagine.
"Fortunately, when they first arrived, Stoke players had been taken to the “bio bubble” area at the Academy building which is where testing of players is usually carried out.
"Because of that they didn't come into contact or even see any of United's squad.
"It could have been a scary situation but United's protocols were absolutely spot on and prevented what could have been a major problem with the season now just days away.”
Man Utd news: United players trained together after the game was cancelled (Image: GETTY)
After arriving at Carrington, Stoke's players and staff found out their Covid-19 results which were taken in tests on Monday ahead of the Championship's return.
Stoke officials immediately told United, who called off the friendly.
Stoke's statement on the matter read: "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 June 8.
"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.
"The club will be making no further comment on this matter."
United's stars played a friendly between themselves last weekend at Old Trafford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer split his side into two, with Pogba and Fernandes playing in the match.
Pogba and Fernandes are expected to make their first Premier League appearance alongside each other next week.
United return to action next Friday against Jose Mourinho's Tottenham.
The Red Devils are hoping to secure a top four finish to bring Champions League football back to Old Trafford.
However, United could secure Champions League football if they finish fifth and Manchester City's European ban is upheld.
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