Single positive test as O’neill fights the virus

THE Premier League has confirmed that one person has recorded a positive result for coronavirus in the latest round of testing.

In total, 1,213 players and staff were tested on Monday and Tuesday in what was the seventh round of tests since players returned to training.

No specific details, regarding the club or the individual, have yet been provided by the Premier League.

There have now been just 14 positive tests out of the 4,787 conducted since the league announced the launch of Project Restart, allaying fears that a return to contract training could cause a spike in the number of infections.

Clubs have now begun participating in friendlies in a bid to regain fitness ahead of the restart, however, Manchester United were forced to cancel their fixture against Stoke City yesterday after it was revealed Potters manager Michael O’neill had tested positive for Covid-19.

The former Northern Ireland manager is now undergoing a period of isolation, whilst continuing to be in regular virtual contact with his coaching staff and players, a club statement said.

O’neill’s assistant Billy Mckinlay will take charge of first-team affairs during his absence.

No-one from the Stoke travelling party interacted with anyone at Manchester United following their arrival at Carrington, with separate facilities having been made available at the complex.

Stoke are preparing to resume their Championship season away to Reading on Saturday, June 20, a day after Manchester United are due to travel to London to face Tottenham and former manager Jose Mourinho.

The top flight will return on Wednesday, June 17, when Aston Villa face Sheffield United before Manchester City host Arsenal in the late kick-off.