Manchester United release statement confirming coronavirus outbreak

Manchester United have confirmed that there has been a coronavirus outbreak 'among the first-team staff and players', with Tuesday's Premier League clash against Brentford now in severe doubt.

On Sunday, it was reported that 'a small number of players and staff tested positive' before training at the club's Carrington training complex.

Man United then took the decision to 'close down first-team operations' at Carrington on Monday in the hope of preventing a spread of the infection.

The Red Devils are yet to travel to London ahead of Tuesday's scheduled fixture with Brentford, and the club have now confirmed that the fixture could be postponed.

"Manchester United can confirm that following PCR test confirmation of yesterday's positive LFT Covid-19 cases among the first team staff and players, the decision has been taken to close down first team operations at the Carrington Training Complex for 24 hours, to minimise risk of any further infection," read a statement on the club's official website.

"Individuals who tested positive are isolating per Premier League protocols. Given cancellation of training and disruption to the squad, and with the health of players and staff the priority, the club is in discussion with the Premier League whether it is safe for Tuesday's fixture against Brentford to continue, both from a Covid infection and player preparation perspective.

"Team and staff travel to London will be deferred pending the result of that discussion."

The entire first-team squad that travelled to Carrow Road for Saturday's Premier League clash with Norwich City had initially tested negative for coronavirus.