Man Utd friendly vs Stoke AXED at last minute despite players turning up at training as Ole’s restart plans suffer blow
A FRIENDLY between Manchester United and Stoke City scheduled to take place today was axed at the last minute.
Players from both sides had started arriving at Carrington from around 10am, ready to play.
But just after noon the Potters' stars were seen driving away from United's training complex, having not taken to the field.
Remaining Red Devils stars that had not been due to report at 10am then arrived after the Stoke players had all vacated the premises.
Both sides are gearing up for the upcoming return of their respective campaigns in the Premier League and Championship.
United would have been hoping to step up their preparations, having hosted an intra-squad friendly at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba both made returns from injury in the behind-closed-doors match as they took on Bruno Fernandes and a host of other team-mates at an empty Theatre of Dreams.
The Red Devils are due to get back underway in the Premier League in ten days time, when they travel to North London to face Tottenham Hotspur.
In addition to their final nine league matches, United will also fight for FA Cup and Europa League glory in the coming months.
The Red Devils have been back in training for around three weeks now, having gradually stepped it up to full contact and training matches.
Stoke meanwhile, have a crucial period of their own to prepare for.
Michael O'Neill's are 17th in second tier, just three points above the relegation zone with nine matches remaining.
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They are due to get their campaign back underway against Reading on June 20.
With friendlies permitted between sides less than a 90 minute drive away, the match would have been an ideal opportunity to regain some match sharpness ahead of the restart.
But instead, it seems Stoke had to drive the hour or so home without having played at all.