Man United fans warned they MUST have Covid passes or negative test when they return to Old Trafford

Manchester United have warned fans that they will not be allowed into Old Trafford unless they can prove their Covid-19 status.

Starting with the home game against Burnley on December 30, United say all supporters over 18 must provide proof of double vaccination, exemption or a negative test taken in the previous 48 hours to get into the ground.

The measures, which apply to any events in England with crowds of over 10,000 people, are in line with Government rules to limit the spread of the new Omicron variant.

It has caused a number of fixtures to be postponed – including United’s last two Premier League games – and forced the club to close down first-team operations at their Carrington training ground.

United’s chief operating officer Collette Roche 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 announced the new measures on Tuesday, 24 hours after Premier League clubs rejected the idea of a festive firebreak to try and slow the spread of infection.

It also came as a number of United players returned to training on Tuesday in an optimistic sign their next match away to Newcastle on December 27 can go ahead.

The club's previous fixtures at home to Brighton and away to Brentford were called off after a large Covid outbreak.

The last match at Old Trafford was back on December 8, a 1-1 draw with Young Boys in the UEFA Champions League.

A United statement read: ‘Fans attending Old Trafford will be required to demonstrate their Covid status under rules introduced by the Government to limit transmission of the virus.

‘Starting from our home game against Burnley on Thursday 30 December, all fans aged 18 or over must be ready to present one of the following: 1. Proof of double vaccination using a valid NHS Covid Pass, or valid COVID-19 status (for people from Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Jersey or Guernsey), or an approved international equivalent; or 2. Evidence of a valid text or email confirmation of a negative lateral flow or PCR test taken within the prior 48 hours; or 3. Valid proof of medical exemption (via NHS COVID Pass or accepted equivalent proof of exemption).

‘Any fans aged 18 or over who are unable to provide one of these approved forms of Covid certification upon request will be denied access to the stadium.

‘Fans who are able to wear face coverings must do so while in indoor parts of the stadium, such as concourses or hospitality areas, except when eating or drinking. Fans are requested to put on their face coverings when they arrive at the turnstiles.

‘To minimise delays and disruption around turnstiles, fans are strongly requested to download their NHS Covid Pass to their phones before arriving at the stadium, and arrive at Old Trafford in plenty of time before kick-off.’