[News] Man Utd call off pre-season friendly after first team players and staff test positive for covid

Manchester United football club of England have been forced to call off their friendly against Preston North End this weekend after a ‘small number’ of the first team training group tested positive for Covid.

Manchester United were due to play Preston at Deepdale on Saturday afternoon but the game has been called off.

The positive lateral flow tests came to light following testing at the training ground on Thursday, Kuly 29, following the friendly against Brentford.

It is not known how many players have tested positive but the group is described as “small”. It is understood that the “small group” that have tested positive are a mixture of players and staff.

A statement from the club released Friday, July 30 read: “Maintaining COVID security is a priority for Manchester United. Following routine testing of the first-team training group (Thursday), we have identified a small number of suspected positive cases.

“This has led to those people isolating, pending further tests.

“As a precautionary measure based on COVID protocols, we have taken the difficult decision that we will not now be able to play the friendly match against Preston North End this Saturday (31 July).

“We regret the disruption to Preston North End and disappointment caused to fans. Any Manchester United supporters who have purchased tickets for the game will be automatically refunded.

“At this stage, we do not expect further disruption around our forthcoming matches, but we will continue to follow Premier League protocols in this regard.”