Manchester United ask fans to stay away if Premier League restarts

Manchester United have urged fans to stay away if the Premier League restarts and matches are played behind closed doors amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The club is due to return to training in small groups, while practising physical distancing, from Wednesday. 

Manchester United wrote in an e-mail to season-ticket holders that they expect fans’ co-operation in this time, asking them not to travel to stadiums on match days.

“We share your disappointment that you will not be able to watch United in person from within the stadium, but we would encourage you to give your continued loyal support from the comfort and safety of your home,” it read.

“To help with that, the Premier League and their media partners will work to deliver the very best broadcast coverage of our games.”

“By supporting from home and following government guidance, you will be playing your part to keep your friends, your family and all United fans safe. This united effort to stay at home will give us the best chance of protecting the health of everyone in our community.” 

Manchester United have also confirmed that season-ticket holders will be given a refund on the remaining home games. If the Premier League decided not to have matches at neutral venues, United will have four matches at Old Trafford.

There are 92 matches to be played before the season was suspended due to the pandemic. All matches will have to be played behind closed doors, that is without the presence of fans in empty stadiums. The Premier League clubs are hoping for the matches to restart by mid-June.