Sheffield United change training plans as Chris Wilder reveals how he's coping with coronavirus break

The Blades have been one of the last Premier League clubs to change their schedules due to the Covid-19 outbreak. United have now followed many of their top-flight rivals by telling their players to train at home for two weeks.

Chris Wilder's men enjoyed a behind-closed-doors game at their training ground recently - "I told them to go out and enjoy it... It might be the last time they play for a while," Wilder said - while their plans to play a friendly against neighbours Rotherham United at the New York Stadium were scrapped on safety grounds.

United's first-team squad have been delivered Wattbikes to their homes to keep up their fitness levels away from their Shirecliffe training ground, which has been closed for all but non-essential staff.

All football has been suspended until the end of April, at the very earliest, although the prospect of finishing the current season seems more realistic after the laws defining the point the campaign must be ended were relaxed recently.

"I can’t do downtime," Wilder told the Daily Mail. "I can’t imagine it.

"The family know what my schedule has been over the years.

"You are still ticking away. Your mind’s still active. It always feels like that with me and football.

"Regardless of success or age, it is always with you and it never leaves you."