Stoke City's manager Michael O'Neill has tested positive for coronavirus. Action Images
Stoke City's manager Michael O'Neill has tested positive for coronavirus. Action Images
Stoke City's manager Michael O'Neill has tested positive for coronavirus. Action Images
Stoke City's manager Michael O'Neill has tested positive for coronavirus. Action Images

Manchester United forced to cancel fixture after Stoke manager tests positive for Covid-19


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Manchester United were forced to scrap a friendly against Stoke City at the last minute after learning that the Championship club's manager Michael O'Neill had tested positive for coronavirus.

Stoke had already travelled to United's Carrington training ground before the Tuesday match, a week before the Premier League restarts, was hastily called off.

A Stoke statement said: "Stoke City can confirm that manager Michael O'Neill has tested positive for the Covid-19 virus following the latest round of testing on Monday (June 8).

"O'Neill had tested negative in the previous five rounds of testing. He will now follow the relevant guidance and undergo a period of isolation, whilst continuing to be in regular virtual contact with his coaching staff and players."

O'Neill's assistant Billy McKinlay will take charge of first-team affairs during his absence.

O'Neill is in his first season in charge of Stoke, having taken over in November and helped steer the club towards safety after a dismal start to the campaign under Nathan Jones.

The 50-year-old stepped down from his role as Northern Ireland manager in April due to the shutdown.

Nobody 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.

  • Bruno Fernandes enjoying the training session as Manchester United prepare for their first game back at Tottenham. Getty
    Bruno Fernandes enjoying the training session as Manchester United prepare for their first game back at Tottenham. Getty
  • Andreas Pereira and Marcus Rashford in action during a first team training session. Getty
    Andreas Pereira and Marcus Rashford in action during a first team training session. Getty
  • Brandon Williams of Manchester United in action. Getty
    Brandon Williams of Manchester United in action. Getty
  • Harry Maguire and Jesse Lingard during a first team training session. Getty
    Harry Maguire and Jesse Lingard during a first team training session. Getty
  • Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Paul Pogba tussle for the ball. Getty
    Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Paul Pogba tussle for the ball. Getty
  • Odion Ighalo during a first team training session as Manchester United prepare for their first game back at Tottenham. Getty
    Odion Ighalo during a first team training session as Manchester United prepare for their first game back at Tottenham. Getty

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