Manchester United vs Brighton postponed due to COVID-19 outbreak

The Premier League match between Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion has been postponed by the league board.

United were slated to host the Seagulls lunchtime on Saturday at Old Trafford but the fixture has now been confirmed postponed, the fourth game to be canceled by the PL.

Nevertheless, according to a statement from the PL, current fixtures will continue despite the outbreak.

"it is with regret that this is the fourth Premier League fixture to have been postponed in the past week," a statement from the PL stated.

"While recognising a number of clubs are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks, it is the League’s intention to continue its current fixture schedule where safely possible. The health and wellbeing of all concerned remains our priority."

Speaking on the development, the Red Devils confirmed that the club had no choice but to request for the postponement given the number of staff and players who had to be isolated due to the virus.

"The health of players and staff is our priority," United said in a statement on their website.

"Given the number of players and support staff having to isolate due to COVID-19, the club had no option other than to request the match be rearranged. The Premier League Board took the decision to postpone based on guidance from medical advisors."

The club added that all training operations at its Carrington ground will be temporarily suspended to help manage the risk.

"We will also suspend football training operations at the Carrington Training Complex for a short period to help reduce risk of further transmission," the statement added.

Saturday's encounter is the second United match to be canceled after the game against Brentford at the Community stadium on Tuesday was also postponed due to COVID-19.