Brentford v Manchester United postponed less than 24 hours before the game due to Covid outbreak

The Premier League has agreed to Manchester United’s request to postpone their game against Brentford due to a number of players testing positive to Covid-19.

Brentford were unsure if the Premier League would reschedule the game, so continued preparations as normal, but will now have the day off and look ahead to the weekend’s visit to Southampton.

Manchester United reported on Monday that they had confirmed cases of Covid-19 ,and had to shut down their Carrington training ground to help curb the spread of the virus.

They also said they were talking to the Premier League "given cancellation of training and disruption to the squad, and with the health of players and staff the priority" and that the team would not travel until a decision is made.

This week the Premier League has confirmed 42 positive cases after its latest Covid-19 tests, the highest number they’ve had since January 2021.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank, speaking to the press ahead of the game on Monday, urged the Premier League to make a swift decision to enable all involved.

He said: "I think there needs to be a significant amount of Covid cases before the game can be cancelled, but to be fair I’m a little bit in doubt when it is enough.

“Whatever it is, I think it’s in the hands of the Premier League and they should make a decision so we all know what is best to do.

“If we can also make it very clear what the rules are to cancel a game, that would be good."

Growing Covid-19 cases in Premier League

Tottenham were the first side to have their games rescheduled after they were hit with a number of positive cases.

They had their Europa Conference League game against Rennes cancelled before the Premier League confirmed their game against Brighton Hove and Albion would have to be rescheduled.

Aston Villa also had their recovery session cancelled after some first team staff and players tested positive to the virus.

There have been a couple of Championship games which have had to be rescheduled due to an outbreak in some of the clubs.