LONDON: Manchester United have canceled their pre-season friendly at Preston on Saturday after a number of suspected Covid-19 cases within the camp of the English football giants.
United were due to make the short trip to Deepdale, fellow northwest club Preston’s home ground, at the weekend as part of their build-up to the new Premier League season.
But routine lateral flow testing on Thursday saw some possible positive cases returned.
Those concerned are now isolating, pending further PCR tests.
In a statement, United said: “Maintaining Covid security is a priority for us. Following routine testing of the first-team training group today, we have identified a small number of suspected positive cases. This has led to those people isolating, pending further tests.
“As a precautionary measure based on Covid protocols, we have taken the difficult decision that we will not now be able to play the friendly match against Preston North End this Saturday.”
The statement added: “We regret the disruption to Preston and disappointment caused to fans. Any Manchester United fans who have purchased tickets for the game will be automatically refunded.
“At this stage, we do not expect further disruption around our forthcoming matches, but we will continue to follow Premier League protocols in this regard.”
United are due to finish their pre-season program with a game against top-flight rivals Everton at Old Trafford on August 7.
Manchester United call off Preston friendly over coronavirus fears
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Manchester United call off Preston friendly over coronavirus fears
- United were due to make the short trip to Deepdale at the weekend as part of their build-up to the new Premier League season
- Routine lateral flow testing on Thursday saw some possible positive cases returned
Pitbull confirmed as headline act for Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Saturday concert
- The Grammy Award-winning global superstar will perform on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit Main Stage on April 18
JEDDAH: Pitbull has been confirmed as the headline act for the post-qualifying concert at this year’s Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, organizers announced on Sunday.
The Grammy Award-winning global superstar will perform on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit Main Stage on April 18, as part of the three-day race weekend running from April 17–19.
Pitbull, whose real name is Armando Christian Perez, is one of the most commercially successful artists of his generation, with billions of streams worldwide and numerous gold and platinum certifications.
The American artist remains a major touring draw, having completed sold-out arena runs across Europe and Australia in 2025. In January, he announced his “I AM Back Tour” in the US following a series of sold-out shows globally.
Pitbull’s appearance adds to a star-studded entertainment lineup for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend. Shakira and Kygo have already been confirmed as headliners for the post-race concert on Sunday, April 19.
Promoted by the Saudi Motorsport Co., the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has become one of F1’s standout events since joining the calendar, with the Jeddah Corniche Circuit holding the distinction of being the fastest street circuit in the championship.
The night race is staged along the Red Sea coastline and combines high-speed racing with large-scale live entertainment.
