Friendly against Manchester United called off as Stoke City manager tests positive for COVID-19

Stoke City confirmed that their manager Michael O'Neill tested positive for the COVID-19 virus following the latest round of testing.

Leeds [UK]: The friendly match between Manchester United and Stoke City was cancelled at the last minute as the manager of Stoke City tested positive for coronavirus.

The two clubs had earlier arranged a friendly match to be played at Man Utd's training base on Tuesday (local time), but now it has been cancelled.

Players from both teams arrived at Man Utd's training base but the Stoke players left soon after, even before the ball was kicked.

Michael O'Neill (file image)

"Stoke City can confirm that manager Michael O'Neill has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus following the latest round of testing. O'Neill had tested negative in the previous five rounds of testing," the club said in an official statement.

"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," it added.

Premier League players and staff have been tested six times for the virus and the latest set of results showed zero positive results from 1,195 tests.

Out of the six rounds of testing, there have been a total of 13 positives out of 6,274 tests.

Manchester United vs Stoke City (file image)

Premier League has been suspended since March due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the league will resume its suspended season on June 17.

Manchester United will play their first match after resumption on June 19 against Tottenham Hotspur.

Before the suspension of the Premier League, United was placed at the fifth spot in the standings with 45 points from 29 matches.