Manchester United have been forced to cancel their friendly with Preston before the season after a number of their first team tested positive for coronavirus.
United had planned to meet the Championship kit on Saturday as part of the preparations for the Premier League season, with Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s men starting their campaign in just over two weeks against Leeds.
As a precautionary measure based on the COVID protocol, our friendly match against Preston North End on Saturday has been suspended. # MUFC
– Manchester United (@ManUtd) 29 July 2021
But the club has now taken to its official website to confirm that a small coronavirus outbreak in the first team squad has caused them to cancel their trip to Deepdale – although they have not yet revealed which players have been affected.
“Maintaining COVID security is a priority for Manchester United,” the statement read. “After routine testing of the training group in the first team today [Thursday], we have identified a small number of suspected positive cases.
“This has led to these people being isolated, awaiting further tests. As a precautionary measure based on COVID protocols, we have made the difficult decision that we will not be able to play the friendly against Preston North End this Saturday. [31 July].
“We regret the disruption of Preston North End and disappointment for fans. All Manchester United supporters who have purchased tickets for the game will be automatically refunded.
“At this stage we do not expect further disruption in our upcoming matches, but we will continue to follow the Premier League protocol in this regard.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side trip to Deepdale has been canceled / James Williamson – AMA / Getty Images
While the club does not expect any further changes to their schedule before the season, the cancellation of Saturday’s match will be a blow for Solskjær’s side with only one warm-up game left before their Premier League season starts.
The Red Devils will face Everton at Old Trafford on August 7, and everyone associated with the club hopes their clash with the Toffees can continue as planned to avoid further disruption.
