Sheffield United put plans in place in case shutdown ramps up

Chris Wilder’s squad have been attempting to keep their schedule as normal as possible since matches in England were postponed to try and limit the spread of Covid-19; a respiratory disease which has claimed more than 10,000 lives worldwide.

Brighton and Hove Albion centre-forward Glenn Murray has called for professionals across the country to be prohibited from taking part in group sessions after several members of staff at the AMEX Stadium were forced to isolate themselves earlier this month.

Although the Steelphalt Academy has closed its doors to all but essential personnel, United are among a number of sides who, adhering to self-distancing guidelines, have continued to work on a regular basis behind closed doors.

However, if this becomes impossible, their coaching and conditioning departments are prepared to ensure those under Wilder’s command stay in shape during the enforced break in competition.

Together with their counterparts at the Football Association and English Football League, Premier League officials have confirmed that matches will not restart before April 30 at the earliest.

United finished the final round of fixtures before the blanket postponement was introduced in seventh position; five points behind fourth placed Chelsea having played a game less than their rivals from Stamford Bridge.