Premier League clubs are pushing for a festive firebreak to combat the Covid-19 outbreak in squads. The Manchester Evening News understands clubs are touting the prospect of shutting down matches until the FA Cup third round, which starts on January 7.
The Premier League would not be due to resume until the weekend of January 15, which would mean missing at least three rounds of matches, with a number of clubs already playing catch-up following multiple postponements.
Manchester United had nine senior players available for the Tuesday night match at Brentford and seven available for Saturday's intended visit of Brighton.