MANCHESTER UNITED had a Covid-19 scare after visiting Stoke boss Michael O’Neill tested positive for the virus just minutes before a friendly between the sides.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s star-studded squad were due to play the Championship side in a behind-closed-doors game at their Carrington training complex today.
But the game was called off at the 11th hour after the results of Stoke’s coronavirus tests from Monday came through.
United last night confirmed that none of their players have been put in danger.
Stoke confirmed O’Neill, 50, had received the positive test in a statement on Tuesday evening.
The former Northern Ireland chief will now self-isolate for a period of seven days.
A statement from the Championship side said: “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.
“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.”
Players began to arrive around 10.00am and Stoke’s players arrived separately by car – as had their United counterparts.
Once the news came through the game was immediately called off and boss Solskjaer instead organised an intra- squad practice game.
It is understood that none of the Stoke players went into any areas where their Prem opponents were based due to protocols set in place.
The Stoke players immediately left Carrington – none of whom had come into contact with any United players.
The Red Devils would have been hoping to step up their preparations, having hosted an intra-squad friendly at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba both made returns from injury in the behind-closed-doors match as they took on Bruno Fernandes and a host of other team-mates at an empty Theatre of Dreams.
The Red Devils are due to get back underway in the Premier League in ten days time, when they travel to North London to face Tottenham Hotspur.
In addition to their final nine league matches, United will also fight for FA Cup and Europa League glory in the coming months.
The Red Devils have been back in training for around three weeks now, having gradually stepped it up to full contact and training matches.
