Bruno Fernandes passed fit for Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid after negative Covid test

Fernandes faced ‘last-minute race’ to play after testing positive last week

Mark Critchley
Northern Football Correspondent
Monday 14 March 2022 14:43 GMT
Comments
Manchester United playmaker Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United playmaker Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United via Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Bruno Fernandes will be available for Manchester United’s Champions League decider against Atletico Madrid after returning a negative Covid-19 test.

The 27-year-old missed Saturday’s 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur after testing positive last week amid a Covid scare within the United camp.

David de Gea was also believed to be sidelined with the virus, though his test result was later found to be a false positive and the United goalkeeper was able to start.

Ralf Rangnick, United’s interim manager, said after the win over Tottenham that Fernandes faced a “last-minute race” to play against Atletico.

The Portugal international was pictured arriving at United’s Carrington training base on Monday morning, however, and Rangnick expects to be able to call upon him for the visit of Diego Simeone’s side.

Luke Shaw, who was also struck down by the virus last week, is the only doubt after a longer Covid lay-off.

“As it is right now we have all the players available for the game tomorrow,” Rangnick said.

“There is a question mark over Luke Shaw. He has been training yesterday and today but we have to wait and see that he is fully fit in order to be available for the game. All the other players are back in training and available for tomorrow.

On Fernandes specifically, Rangnick said: “Yesterday he was tested negative, that’s why he could train today.”

United go into the second leg at Old Trafford level with Atletico after teenager Anthony Elanga’s late goal rescued a 1-1 draw at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid three weeks ago.

Rangnick is aiming to secure United’s third appearances in the Champions League quarter-finals in the past nine seasons since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in