Report: United recall players to UK as Premier League eyes restart

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Manchester United advised players currently isolating outside the United Kingdom to return this week despite no immediate plans to resume training, according to a report from ESPN UK's Rob Dawson.

The Premier League's "Project Restart" campaign awaits an announcement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson on May 7 that could signal changes to the government-mandated lockdown order, permitting clubs to resume first-team duties.

Bruno Fernandes, Victor Lindelof, Sergio Romero, and Fred were among the players United granted approval to leave England following discussions with the club's medical staff.

Blockbuster January signing Fernandes has already returned to England, and it's not clear if other United players given permission to leave will be required to self-isolate for 14 days, as per current protocol for travellers from abroad.

United, who are currently fifth in the league standings with nine matches to play, still have a lot to play for this year. In addition to competing for a coveted top-four spot, the Red Devils are due to play Norwich City in the FA Cup quarterfinals, and they're one step from the same stage in the Europa League after trouncing LASK 5-0 in the first leg of the last-16 tie.