Man Utd announce Covid pass rules for over 18s to enter Old Trafford

Man Utd fans attending Old Trafford have been informed of the latest protocols with the Omicron variant of Covid-19 threatening to cause postponements and potentially behind closed door measures

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Fans attending Manchester United games at Old Trafford must prove their COVID status to enter the stadium.

From December 30, when United host Burnley, all supporters aged 18 or over attending Old Trafford must be able to present proof of double vaccination using a valid NHS COVID pass, or valid COVID-19 status, or evidence of a valid text or email confirmation of a negative lateral flow or PCR test taken within 48 hours, or valid proof of medical exemption, via the NHS COVID pass.

Those fans unable to meet any of those criteria will be denied access to the stadium, while those who are admitted must wear face coverings in indoor parts of the stadium, such as concourses or hospitality areas, except when eating or drinking.

The measures, introduced by the Government, apply to any events in England with crowds of over 10,000 people until further notice.

Collette Roche, Chief Operating Officer, said: “ Manchester United, alongside the Premier League, remain committed to helping keep supporters safe throughout the season.

“We have been mandated by the Government to implement these new rules and we urge all fans to prepare accordingly for matches they plan to attend.

“It’s particularly important that fans download their NHS COVID Pass to their phones before travelling to Old Trafford, and that they arrive at the stadium early to avoid delays at the turnstiles, where we will be conducting extensive spot checks.”

United re-opened their training ground on Monday – a week after it was closed for first-team operations because of a Covid outbreak.

United’s players who are not currently isolating arrived at the Carrington training ground this morning and had to undergo a Covid test on arrival, which had to be negative in order for them to be allowed entry to the complex.

Those players allowed access to the training centre are understood to have undertaken strength and conditioning work, with full training involving the whole squad understood to still be off-limits.

Players, including United captain Harry Maguire, began arriving at the training ground this morning, to begin the build-up to their next game, away to Newcastle on December 27.

United’s last two games, against Brentford and Brighton, were postponed after a Covid outbreak left interim boss Ralf Rangnick with just nine first-team players available.

A United statement said: “Manchester United’s players have started a return to training at Carrington, on a staggered basis.

The complex was closed for first-team operations last week due to a COVID-19 outbreak at the club but opened again this morning.

Hence, this will now give interim manager Ralf Rangnick and his squad time to prepare for our next fixture – the Premier League meeting with Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Monday 27 December.”