Man Utd planning for May return to training after next lockdown update

Posted Friday, April 24, 2020 by Dailystar.co.uk

Manchester United are currently vacant from their Carrington training ground due to the coronavirus lockdown, but it seems the Red Devils plan to be back in action soon

Manchester United are planning to return to training some time next month, according to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s assistant coach Kieran McKenna.

The Red Devils, like every other professional side, are currently having to train from home due to the coronavirus lockdown.

The Premier League is still yet to set a return date for fixtures, though chiefs have assured clubs that this season will be completed.

But United are keen to get back in training it seems, with McKenna confirming that the club were working towards a return to Carrington in May.

"At the moment, we are working towards, touch wood, the lockdown loosening after the next deadline and being able to return to some sort of training,” McKenna said on United’s app.

Man Utd planning for May return to training after next lockdown update
Man Utd coach Kieran McKenna has given an update on when the club plans to return to training (Image: GETTY)

"We are working to that schedule at the moment but, if we have to push back again, we have got a plan B and plan C already prepared.”

"I think everyone is probably aware that the league has to take precedence in terms of if there was a limited timescale. That is something that has been discussed.

"Obviously the FA Cup is important for the country and important for us as a club as well. The schedule is looking tight towards the end of the season. It seems the European competitions are really keen to start in August as well.

"So that probably tightens the schedule a little bit.”

Man Utd planning for May return to training after next lockdown update
Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba remain on the sidelines for Man Utd (Image: Getty Images)

Despite their tailored training plans, players are likely to need some time to get back to match fitness and used to playing again.

But McKenna disagrees, stating: “They are maintaining a higher level of fitness and certainly training at a higher level than an off-season, so we don't expect there to be too much of a drop-off in terms of fitness and general conditioning.

"At the moment, we are working off the premise that we'll have a short window of training, maybe three weeks or so, before we return.”

McKenna also gave a brief injury update on a number of players who were still recovering from knocks suffered before the postponements.

Speaking about Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford, he added: “Yeah, it would be nice. Obviously, those are two massively talented players who you are talking about and we have not really had them all season.

"Luke (Shaw) and Anthony (Martial) were picking up injuries in the first half of the season, with Scott (McTominay) picking up injuries, all missing most of the season, and obviously Marcus being a big miss as well, so we haven't really had a full complement to pick from all season.

"If we can get to a point where we get everybody back in, then it's certainly good competition for places in some positions, and also a chance to rotate, which we haven't always had the possibility to do."