Manchester United will continue to pay casual workers in the event that the remainder of the Premier League season is cancelled or played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Premier League announced on Thursday that games would be suspended until at least 30 April, with discussion ongoing as to when the current campaign can be completed.

With no guarantee that top-flight football will return before the summer, casual staff at Premier League clubs up and down the country have been left in a precarious and uncertain position.

But United have reassured 3,000 match day and non-match day casual employees who have worked for the club in the past three months that they will be paid over the coming weeks and months, at a cost of around £1m.

Ed Woodward, United’s executive vice-chairman, said: “We rely on our outstanding staff to deliver an exceptional service and experience to fans at Old Trafford. 

“We understand that these are unprecedented circumstances and want to give them security whatever may happen regarding our remaining fixtures this season. 

“We look forward to welcoming back all our supporters - and our colleagues - to Old Trafford as soon as possible.”

United have four remaining home league fixtures to play this season, against Sheffield United, Bournemouth, Southampton and West Ham.

The gesture follows a £350 payment to supporters who purchased tickets for last week’s Europa League meeting with LASK Linz, only for the last-16 first leg to be played behind closed doors.

United join Brighton, Crystal Palace, Liverpool and other Premier League clubs in a commitment to pay casual staff, with others reviewing their policies.

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