Man Utd pictured arriving at Lowry Hotel as Covid-19 crisis strikes camp

Manchester United’s preparations for their Premier League clash with Newcastle continue despite a Covid-19 outbreak.

Up to three members of Ole Gunnar Solskajer's coaching staff have tested positive for coronavirus – forcing them to self-isolate.

The identities of the trio is unknown with Nicky Butt, now Head of First-team Development at the club, set to join Solskjaer on the bench on Sunday evening, along with Mark Dempsey.

United traditionally prepare for games at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester and the Red Devils aren’t changing despite the outbreak.

Players were seen arriving at the hotel with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood all present.

Solskjaer could take risks for the clash with speculation that Dean Henderson may start in goal over David de Gea.

Paul Pogba and Phil Jones are definitely still out for United, while there were hopes that Donny van de Beek and Edinson Cavani may return.

The duo missed the Europa League clash with Real Sociedad in midweek with Solskjaer acknowledging the pair needed late fitness tests.

“We think, or hope, both of them [Donny and Edinson will be fit] but we’re not sure,” Solskjaer said.

”Maybe one, maybe two, maybe none. It’s one of those tight ones where you’ve got to make a call, probably after training on Saturday.

“Of course, Paul is out and Phil is out. I don’t know how Scott [McTominay] is. I don’t know how Donny and Edinson will be either.

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  • “They’ve got a chance, I think, so we’ve just got to give them until before training on Saturday as we need to pick a team on Saturday. We’ll see how they are and hopefully they can both be available.”

    On his goalkeeping options, Solskjaer added: “Of course Dean is in with a shout. We pick a team on Saturday and Dean was very solid, good kicking and he could or should have had an assist for Marcus, which is another thing we worked on.

    “He was clean in his handling, clean in his short passes and it was a good performance.

    “He is maturing all the time but I have a very, very good goalkeeper in David. He saved us against West Brom so I can’t say to you now. I always speak to the players first before I say who’s playing and they will know.”

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