The Premier League have affirmed their intentions to continue with the current season after five matches were postponed due to Covid-19.
Manchester United's game at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday is the latest fixture to be called off, with the hosts suffering an outbreak which also saw their trip to Brentford on Tuesday cancelled.
The news comes after the UK was hit with a record number of daily cases due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus.
Following the confirmation of the Red Devils' latest postponement, the Premier League made clear that they would not be halting the campaign despite calls for a firebreak.
"While recognising a number of clubs are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks, it is the League’s intention to continue its current fixture schedule where safely possible," a statement read.
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"The Board assesses applications to postpone matches on a case-by-case basis, based on existing rules and COVID-19 postponement guidance issued to all clubs.
"It will assess a number of factors, including the ability of a club to field a team; the status, severity and potential impact of the COVID-19 outbreak at the club; and the ability of the players to safely prepare for and play the match.
"The Board must also consider the wider risks to the opposition and other people the club may come into contact with.
"In light of the recent rise in COVID-19 cases across the country, the Premier League has reintroduced Emergency Measures.
"These include protocols such as more frequent testing, wearing face coverings while indoors, observing social distancing and limiting treatment time."
Meanwhile, Leicester City will not welcome Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday evening due to an outbreak in the home camp, after Burnley's clash with Watford on Wednesday was postponed just two-and-a-half hours before kick-off due.
Added to that, Spurs' match against Brighton last Sunday was called off when Antonio Conte and co were hit with a wave of positive tests.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank has urged the Premier League to postponed all of the weekend's fixtures, stating as much in his press conference on Thursday morning.
"Covid cases are going through the roof at all Premier League clubs, everyone is dealing with it and having problems," the Bees boss explained.
"To postpone this round and also the Carabao Cup round would give everyone a week at least, or four or five days to clean and do everything at the training ground so everything is clean and you break the chain."
