Pre-restart friendly called off at last minute after Championship manager tests positive

Man United's friendly game against Stoke on Tuesday was cancelled at the last minute after it was revealed that Championship manager Michael O'Neill had tested positive in the latest round of Coronavirus testing. 

The news of the positive test was announced by Stoke on Tuesday night.

Their statement said, "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.

"Assistant manager Billy McKinlay will take charge of training as the Potters prepare for their game against Reading on June 20."

The Sun claims that the players started arriving at the Man United training ground on Tuesday morning before the game was cancelled.

Our thoughts are with O'Neill and his positive test is obviously a worry because of his age – O'Neill is 50.

However, it does represent good news for Leeds who, according to the Daily Mail, had recorded "at least" one positive in the round prior to this.

With Barnsley confirming the other positive in the last round of testing, it means that Leeds are clear after the previous scare.

Every round of testing is crucial now, with any players or staff testing positive set to miss the first round of games in the Championship.

Leeds' promotion bid gets underway a week on Sunday when they travel down to Cardiff for a midday kick-off.

Leeds United are hoping to travel down the night before but that's not been confirmed yet.

Hopefully, Marcelo Bielsa will have a full squad of players to choose from – Leeds fans will be nervously awaiting the next round of test results, due later this week.

In other Leeds United news, 'That's been going around' – National journalist reacts to latest QSI-Leeds takeover claim