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Manchester United friendly against Stoke called off after positive test – sources

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Manchester United had a friendly with Stoke City cancelled on Tuesday after a member of the Championship club tested positive for coronavirus, sources have told ESPN.

United arranged the game with the Championship side at their Carrington training base as they prepare for the restart of the Premier League, but the fixture was quickly cancelled after Stoke were informed of the positive test by the EFL.

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Stoke’s players had already arrived at Carrington after travelling separately, but were told to return home before kickoff.

Sources have told ESPN that United’s medical staff do not believe Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, staff or players came into contact with any player or official from Stoke and are satisfied they are not at risk.

Stoke’s players were preparing for the game close to the academy building at Carrington, while United’s players were outside the first-team building.

Later on Tuesday, Stoke issued a statement saying that manager Michael O’Neill had tested positive for COVID-19, although they did not mention whether his positive — from the latest round of tests on June 8 — was the reason for the cancellation of the friendly.

Instead of facing Stoke, United took part in a inter-squad friendly as they step up preparations for their trip to Tottenham on June 19. Solskjaer’s team are set to play another friendly against West Brom before the restart.

United have not played a competitive game since beating LASK 5-0 in the Europa League on March 12. They have nine Premier League games remaining as well as outstanding fixtures in the Europa League and FA Cup.

The Premier League last tested players and staff on June 4 and 5 with 1,195 tests returning zero positive results. There have been 13 positive tests during six rounds of testing since May 17.

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