Rijo Sam Daniel
Brentford boss Thomas Frank expects to face Manchester United on Tuesday amid Covid concerns
Manchester United have been affected by several Covid cases, however, the Brentford boss Thomas Frank is expecting the match to happen on Tuesday with no interruptions. There have been concerns about whether the Premier League game would be played or not due to the situation.
The Bees have also been suffering from coronavirus cases of their own, with Ivan Toney and Ethan Pinnock getting tested positive. Several Man United players and staff were identified as positive on Sunday following the game against Norwich City. As a result, there are doubts whether the match would take place as usual or not.
Speaking in the pre-match presser (h/t Manchester Evening News), Frank has mentioned that he expects both the teams to take to the field on Tuesday. He added that only a dire situation would make the fixture get postponed, which is not the case currently.
“We are planning to play the game. That’s what we are focusing on. We can’t control anything else. I think it 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. IT’S A VERY TRICKY SITUATION.”
“I think it’s very important the Premier League and all of us are following normal society rules and restrictions. And then if we can make it very clear what the rules are to cancel a game that would be good. But I think all that is just speculation and taking the focus away from what we all want and that is what’s happening on the pitch.”
Ideal scenario?
The Carrington training complex has already been closed down as a precaution to minimise the spread of the virus. The players would not be able to prepare for the clash through regular training sessions, which would affect their fitness. Not to mention how the safety hazard would persist if the outbreak is not brought under control.
The old adage of better safe than sorry is relevant here. Whether the authorities too are thinking along the same lines to let the game go ahead remains to be seen.
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It would be hard not to see the team play, but people’s lives should get valued more in this circumstance. Without them, there would not be any football in the first place, and their health should always take priority. Since the Red Devils have a better understanding of the extent of the situation, a wise decision would be reached ahead of the match after consultation.
