Stoke have confirmed boss Michael O’Neill tested positive for coronavirus just minutes before the cancelled friendly against Manchester United.
The Potters were due to ramp up their return to action in a friendly against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men.
But the game was called off with a member of the Stoke squad, now confirmed to being former Northern Ireland boss O’Neill, returning a positive test for the virus.
A club statement read: “Stoke City can confirm that manager Michael O’Neill has tested positive for the Covid-19 virus following the latest round of testing on Monday (June 8).
“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 club will be making no further comment on this matter.”
Man Utd were hoping to host Stoke at their Carrington training ground ahead of the Premier League’s proposed return to action on June 17.
The Red Devils had taken part in an intra-squad friendly over the weekend – and Tuesday night’s game would have been the first involving another team since March.
On Tuesday evening, United confirmed none of their players had been put in danger.
Players began to arrive around 10am and Stoke’s star arrived separately by car – as had their United counterparts.
Once the news came through the game was immediately called off and boss Solskjaer instead organised an intra-squad practice game.
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It is understood that none of the Stoke players went into any areas where their Premier League opponents were based due to protocols set in place.
The Stoke players immediately left Carrington without ever coming into contact with United players.
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