Manchester United have confirmed that a group of the club’s coaching staff are in self-isolation following an outbreak of COVID-19 ahead of their Premier League fixture with Newcastle United this evening. However, the clash with Steve Bruce’s side will still go ahead as planned.
The Mirror are reporting that up to three first-team coaches returned positive tests before Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his team travelled to Turin to face Real Sociedad in the Europa League earlier this week.
Manchester United Suffer COVID-19 Outbreak
Club Coaches Currently Self-Isolating
Earlier on Sunday (21 February), the Old Trafford club released the following statement: “Nicky Butt and Mark Dempsey will join Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on the bench this evening due to some of the coaching staff having to self-isolate. The home Premier League game against Newcastle United at Old Trafford will kick off at 19:00 GMT.”
It remains to be seen how many of Solskjaer’s backroom team will be present during the clash with the Magpies, although it is understood that none of the club’s players have tested positive for the virus in the build-up to their latest fixture.
Trio Facing Late Fitness Doubts
The hosts have no fresh injury concerns going into this evening’s game, although Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay faces a battle to prove his fitness having suffered a knock during Thursday’s win over Real Sociedad.
Additionally, Dutch midfielder Donny van de Beek and veteran Uruguay forward Edinson Cavani will be assessed by the club having missed the Europa League tie through minor injuries.
Manager Solskjaer is expecting another stern test for his side in the form of Steve Bruce’s Newcastle, who arrive at Old Trafford looking to arrest a turbulent recent record at the Theatre of Dreams.
The Norwegian told his pre-match press conference: “Every game in the Premier League is difficult. You’ve got to earn the right [to win]. You’ve got to do it by your quality but first of all the attitude. Run more than them, want it more than them and we’ve got players who have got the quality, so hopefully, we can take the chances.”
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