Manchester United suffer Fred and Alex Telles blows ahead of Burnley game

Manchester United have confirmed both Alex Telles and Fred have tested positive for Covid-19, meaning they will miss Tuesday’s game against Burnley.

The pair were recently away on international duty with Brazil, with both playing in World Cup qualifiers for their country in South America.

Both players returned to the UK earlier this week, but Telles missed Friday’s FA Cup defeat at home to Middlesbrough – United have now confirmed he returned a positive Covid test before the game.

Fred came on as a substitute late in the tie, but has now also tested positive, meaning both will miss tomorrow’s trip to Turf Moor, while Fred could also be a doubt for Saturday’s game against Southampton.

“Yeah we have two players missing,” United interim boss Ralf Rangnick told club media on Monday.

“Alex Telles already missed the cup game because he tested COVID positive last week and, unfortunately, the same thing happened today with Fred. That’s why he will be missing from tomorrow’s game and possibly even the game against Southampton.”

Elsewhere, Rangnick has confirmed Jesse Lingard will be available to face Burnley after being given time off for the FA Cup tie against Middlesbrough.

Edinson Cavani will also be able to return, while Raphael Varane and Paul Pogba will also be available having come through Friday’s tie unscathed.

“Those things happen and that’s why it’s even more important to have a player like Paul Pogba now available again,” Rangnick added.

Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.