Man United’s game against Brighton postponed due to Covid

Daniel Brown

United are battling a covid outbreak at the club.

Manchester United’s Premier League home game against Brighton at the weekend has been postponed due to Covid-19. The Premier League, however, have said they do not plan to postpone the league, despite mounting Covid cases.

The news comes after United reportedly returned further positive Covid tests following the postponement of their Premier League game with Brentford on Tuesday.

🗣"Manchester United weren't able to field a first team of players as they have just seven currently available."

Manchester United training ground has temporarily closed for the second time this week

[Via @BenRansomSky] pic.twitter.com/ZTIeZnUIwZ

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) December 16, 2021

Man United v Brighton postponed.

The Red Devils were struck by the outbreak after their win at Norwich at the weekend and temporarily closed their training facilities in an attempt to limit the spread of the virus.

Reports on Wednesday claimed there were as many as 19 cases amongst United players and staff, with many people speculating that the game against Brighton on Saturday would be called off as a result.

The club released a statement on Thursday announcing that the game had been postponed, stating that, ‘given the number of players and support staff having to isolate due to COVID-19, the club had no option other than to request the match be rearranged.’

The Premier League have confirmed that Saturday's fixture with Brighton has been postponed.#MUFC | #MUNBHA

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 16, 2021

The statement read: “Manchester United can confirm that our Premier League fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion, scheduled for Saturday 18 December at 12:30 GMT, has been postponed and will be rescheduled in due course.

“The health of players and staff is our priority. Given the number of players and support staff having to isolate due to COVID-19, the club had no option other than to request the match be rearranged. The Premier League Board took the decision to postpone based on guidance from medical advisors.

“We will also suspend football training operations at the Carrington Training Complex for a short period to help reduce risk of further transmission.

“We regret any disappointment and inconvenience caused to fans by the postponement.”

Premier League statement.

The Premier League also issued a statement saying that will address each match and team on a case by case basis, but have no plans, as of yet, to temporarily postpone the league.

“It is with regret that this is the fourth Premier League fixture to have been postponed in the past week,” their statement reads.

“While recognising a number of clubs are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks, it is the league’s intention to continue its current fixture schedule where safely possible. The health and wellbeing of all concerned remains our priority.

“Regarding Manchester United’s game on Saturday, the club continues to have an ongoing COVID-19 outbreak within their squad, which has left them unable to field a team for the match at Old Trafford.

“A significant number of COVID-19 cases led to their game against Brentford FC being called off earlier this week, and today additional positive tests have been confirmed.

“The board assesses applications to postpone matches on a case-by-case basis, based on existing rules and COVID-19 postponement guidance issued to all clubs.

“It will assess a number of factors, including the ability of a club to field a team; the status, severity and potential impact of the COVID-19 outbreak at the club; and the ability of the players to safely prepare for and play the match. The Board must also consider the wider risks to the opposition and other people the club may come into contact with.

“In light of the recent rise in COVID-19 cases across the country, the Premier League has reintroduced Emergency Measures. These include protocols such as more frequent testing, wearing face coverings while indoors, observing social distancing and limiting treatment time.”