MANCHESTER UNITED players arrived for training for the first time in over two months after getting the all-clear from their coronavirus tests.
Red Devils stars last worked out at their Carrington complex on March 13 but are now back to business following a vote from Premier League clubs to approve a formal return to the training ground.
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Manchester United captain Harry Maguire led the Red Devils stars returning to training on Wednesday morningCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Paul Pogba continued his fight to regain fitness as he arrived as part of the afternoon groupCredit: Reuters
Bruno Fernandes was also part of the later group that underwent a bleep test across five pitchesCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Odion Ighalo faces an uncertain future at United with his loan set to expire this summerCredit: Reuters
Mason Greenwood was seen leaving the complex topless after his morning sessionCredit: Reuters
The agreement to move to “Stage One” of the training protocols will see all 20 top-flight squads beginning basic work from today.
United captain Harry Maguire was among the first arrivals at Carrington on Wednesday morning alongside Fred, Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic.
Academy prospects Angel Gomes, Mason Greenwood and Tahith Chong were also pictured after the club ordered the players to arrive at staggered times throughout the day to undergo sessions in small groups.
The likes of Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes and Odion Ighalo then arrived in the afternoon alongside a masked Sergio Romero.
It comes after the Argentine’s fellow keeper David De Gea was snapped earlier showing off his new lockdown look as he pulled into training with a long beard.
SunSport understands that there were three separate sessions being held today across the squad with the players given an arrival slot.
Training was set up over five pitches with one including a bleep test for the first 40 minutes to determine base fitness levels.
The coaches also set-up for some small games with five-a-side goals.
Last night it was revealed only six positive cases had emerged from 19 clubs, with Norwich’s results still to come, in a huge boost to Project Restart.
It’s a massive step forward to get on the same training pitch as each other. We’re all really excited to be getting back to some normality
Luke Shaw
Under new guidelines for Prem clubs, contact between players is not yet allowed, but sessions for small groups will get underway under social distancing rules.
Marcus Rashford and Co will also have to arrive in their training kit and shower at home rather than in Carrington’s shared changing rooms.
And while Luke Shaw admitted the rules on returning to training are strict, the left-back shared his excitement at “getting back to some normality”.
He said: “We’ve known for around a week that it was a possibility, but United have had to make it the safest possible environment for all the players and the staff.
“We’ll still social distance throughout, we’ll arrive in our training gear and shower when we get home. The rules have to be really strict, but we’re obviously all going to stick to them just to make sure things run as smoothly and safely as possible.
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“I think we’re all determined to do things properly because we’re all looking forward to getting back on a proper pitch. Running down at the park is OK, but obviously it isn’t ideal.
“We have to do our work, keep fit and it’ll be nice to be around different people and see the boys again for a bit longer. It’s a massive step forward to get on the same training pitch as each other.
“We’re all really excited to be getting back to some normality and we’re all going to do everything we possibly can to make sure our training is as safe as it can be.”
Sergio Romero donned a coronavirus mask as he arrived at CarringtonCredit: Reuters
Phil Jones is back at training after a vote from Premier League clubsCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Fred is back at Carrington after spending lockdown in his native BrazilCredit: Reuters
Nemanja Matic has been tasked with arriving at Carrington in his training gearCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Scott McTominay impressed fans with his home workoutsCredit: Reuters
Angel Gomes has been locked in a contract stalemate with United following reports of a move to ChelseaCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Robertson, Wijnaldum and Minamino arrive at Melwood Training Facility as blue testing tent can be seen at entrance
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
