The Manchester United has expressed hope that their players might resume training in May if lockdown restriction is eased.
Kieran McKenna, the club assistant coach, disclosed this on Friday April 24, 2020.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic the Premiere League in March suspended 2019/2020 season indefinitely. As a result, the Manchester United players were given fitness plans to adhere to during lockdown as they stay home.
As the current lockdown ends in May 7, the club is optimistic that the players might return to the training center if the lockdown directive is loosen.
“At the moment, we are working towards, touch wood, the lockdown loosening after the next deadline and being able to return to some sort of training,” said Kieran.
McKenna although said that it was possible that the lockdown which would end in May 7 is extended. If an extension does take place, the club has other alternative plans already in place.
“We are working to that schedule at the moment but, if we have to push back again, we have got a plan B and plan C already prepared,” he stated.
Given the state of the lockdown scenario, the Premiere League has yet to decide whether the current season would be completed or not.
Commenting on this, McKenna said that given the situation, completing the season should be the major priority ahead of the FA cup.
“I think everyone is probably aware that the league has to take precedence in terms of if there was a limited timescale. That is something that has been discussed,” McKenna said.
“Obviously the FA Cup is important for the country and important for us as a club as well. The schedule is looking tight towards the end of the season. It seems the European competitions are really keen to start in August as well,” McKenna added.
Speaking about the need for players to have some sort of training before returning, McKenna said that undergoing some training was important but players are maintaining high level of fitness and that is not expected to drop off.
“They are maintaining a higher level of fitness and certainly training at a higher level than an off-season, so we don’t expect there to be too much of a drop-off in terms of fitness and general conditioning.
“At the moment, we are working off the premise that we’ll have a short window of training, maybe three weeks or so, before we return,” McKenna concluded.
