Manchester United's Premier League clash at Brentford tonight has been called off after a Covid outbreak within Ralf Rangnick's squad.
United confirmed just before midnight that the game had been postponed after a day of talks with the Premier League, following several positive Covid tests among players and staff.
After being forced to shut down their Carrington training ground to the first-team and abandon their usual plan of travelling down to London the day before the game, United pushed for the fixture to be shelved.
And the Premier League agreed there was no option but to call off the game, making it the most high-profile casualty of the Covid crisis that is threatening to shut down the Premier League again.
United released a statement which read: “ Manchester United can confirm that our Premier League fixture at Brentford FC, on Tuesday 14 December at 19:30, has been postponed and will be rescheduled in due course.
“Following PCR confirmation of positive LFT Covid-19 tests among the first-team staff and players, the outbreak requires ongoing surveillance.
"A decision was taken to close first-team operations at the Carrington Training Complex for 24 hours to help minimise risk of further infection, and individuals who tested positive are isolating in line with Premier League protocols.
“Given cancellation of training and disruption to the squad, and with the health of players and staff the priority, the Club requested the match to be rearranged.
"The Premier League Board took the decision to postpone based on guidance from medical advisors.
“Manchester United regrets the inconvenience caused to Brentford FC and to the fans of both clubs by Covid-19.”
Ralf Rangnick's side are currently sixth in the Premier League with 28 points after 16 games played.
