This archive report was first published on 8 June 2020.
As the Premier League prepares to resume behind closed doors on June 17, teams have been taking advantage of the opportunity to hold training sessions and friendlies at their grounds.
Manchester United, currently fifth in the Premier League, held a training session at Old Trafford on June 8, with Harry Maguire captaining a 'home' team against an 'away' side led by Bruno Fernandes. The match marked the first time Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men had played on home soil since their 2-0 win over Manchester City on March 8.
Other teams, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Newcastle, have also been holding training sessions and friendlies at their grounds. Arsenal welcomed Championship strugglers Charlton to Emirates Stadium, running out 6-0 winners, while Chelsea held an in-house game at Stamford Bridge, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek scoring for the Blues.
These behind-the-scenes matches are a chance for players to get used to playing in empty stadiums, a new norm for footballers due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Premier League was suspended on March 13, and teams have been training in isolation since then.
On June 17, the Premier League will resume with Liverpool facing Everton, while Manchester City will host Arsenal. The season will continue behind closed doors until further notice.
