Two Red Devils celebrities wore club tops of global team-mates that have tested positive for Covid-19.
Paul Pogba was back sporting a Juventus shirt on Wednesday, but with good reason.
The Manchester United midfielder’s long-term future looks uncertain, together with his former team Juve among those teams heavily connected with the World Cup winner if he leaves Old Trafford.
Pogba spent four seasons with a Serie A champions between 2012 and 2016 before returning to United for what was a world-record fee at the moment.
In a movie uploaded to his Instagram accounts on Wednesday, Pogba has seen training at home sporting a Juve shirt with Blaise Matuidi’s name and number on the back.
However, the Frenchman explained that he and United team-mate Victor Lindelof – that had been seen in Albin Ekdal’s Sampdoria jersey – were only encouraging their global team-mates after both Serie A players tested positive for coronavirus.
“New training camp is known as… Quarantine PP Arena, open 24/7!” Pogba composed on Instagram.
“Supporting our friends @blaisematuidiofficiel and @albinekdal and all athletes and individuals around the world!
“Be strong, #StayAtHome and be safe!
“(I know the ones that are smart will discuss the Juventus jersey [but] I am just supporting my friends… that is all, nothing more).”
Matuidi responded to Pogba’s article by saying: “Thank you, my brother, that this touched me love u.
“And happy to see you touch the ball.”
Pogba hasn’t played for United since December 26, having undergone surgery on a perfect ankle injury in January.
He was expected to return to team training on Tuesday but United cancelled their session following the United Kingdom government urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and social contact.
Man Utd legend Gary Neville has stated he’ll offer free hotel beds for NHS employees in 2 of the hotels he part-owns with former team-mate Ryan Giggs as the Covid-19 catastrophe becomes more serious in Britain.
“It is now that I feel that the whole of our industry should demonstrate solidarity, not only for our employees in such uncertain times but obviously for people who want the accommodation most in the coming months,” Neville said.
“It’s something we are thrilled to have come into agreement with. It will operate free of charge and our employees will operate the hotels as normal.”