Ralf Rangnick’s Manchester United have not played since a 1-0 win over Norwich on December 11
(Picture: Manchester United via Getty Imag)Manchester United’s players have started returning to training on a staggered basis after a Covid-19 outbreak at the club last week.
Coronavirus cases caused the Red Devils’ last two Premier League matches, against Brentford and Brighton, to be postponed.
United were also forced to close the first-team section of their Carrington training ground last week in a bid to limit the outbreak.
However, their base re-opened on Tuesday morning and first-team players have begun returning to training on a staggered basis.
The hope is United will now be able to fulfil their next match, which comes against Newcastle at St James’ Park on December 27.
United last played a match on December 11, when they beat Norwich 1-0 at Carrow Road thanks to a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty.
A statement from the club said: “Manchester United’s players have started a return to training at Carrington, on a staggered basis.
“The complex was closed for first-team operations last week due to a COVID-19 outbreak at the club but opened again this morning (Tuesday).
ℹ️ The latest news on the Reds' return to training 👇#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 21, 2021
“Hence, this will now give interim manager Ralf Rangnick and his squad time to prepare for our next fixture - the Premier League meeting with Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Monday 27 December (20:00 GMT kick-off).
“Unfortunately, the games against Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion were postponed as the club had no option but to request that the matches were rearranged.
“The Premier League board took the decision to call the fixtures off, based on guidance from medical advisors.
“On Monday, the Premier League issued a statement declaring the intention to continue with the festive programme, where possible, despite the impact of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
“United are also scheduled to face Burnley next week, on Thursday 30 December, at Old Trafford (20:15 GMT kick-off) in our final outing of 2021.”
