Manchester United fans told to not gather outside stadium when Premier League returns

Manchester United's Mason Greenwood celebrates scoring their fourth goal against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League at Old Trafford Reuters

Manchester United's Andreas Pereira, left, and AZ Alkmaar's Yukinari Sugawara, right, during the Europa League match at Old Trafford. EPA

Manchester United's Ashley Young celebrates scoring the first goal with teammates on Thursday. Reuters

Manchester United's Mason Greenwood scored twice in the Europa League match against AZ Alkmaar at Old Trafford. EPA

Manchester United's Juan Mata celebrates scoring against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League at Old Trafford. EPA

Manchester United's Juan Mata scores against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday. AP

Manchester United's Juan Mata, left, celebrates after scoring on Thursday. PA

Mason Greenwood after scoring his side's second goal at Old Trafford. AP

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar after the win over AZ Alkmaar. AP

Manchester United's Mason Greenwood during the Europa League match against AZ Alkmaar. AP

Manchester United's Ashley Young, left, celebrates scoring the opening goal against AZ Almaar. AFP

AZ Alkmaar's Oussama Idrissi, left, and Manchester United's Axel Tuanzebe vie for the ball at Old Trafford. AP

AZ Alkmaar's Dutch midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, below, and Manchester United's Anthony Martial collide. AFP

Manchester United's Nemanja Matic at Old Trafford. Reuters

Andreas Pereira of Manchester United battles for possession with Stijn Wuytens and Thomas Ouwejan of AZ Alkmaar. Getty Images

Manchester United fans have been urged against gathering outside the stadium when the Premier League season resumes during the coronavirus pandemic.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are set to resume small group training on Wednesday as Premier League clubs step up the "Project Restart" plan to finish the season.

But all 92 remaining Premier League matches will have to be played in empty stadiums due to the pandemic, leading United to activate a refund or rebate to ticket holders for their remaining home fixtures.

If the Premier League get their wish to play at clubs' normal stadiums rather than at neutral venues, then United will have four home league matches to play.

Aware of the danger of supporters gathering in large groups during the health crisis, United have pleaded with their fans to stay away from matches and watch on television.

"We share your disappointment that you will not be able to watch United in person from within the stadium, but we would encourage you to give your continued loyal support from the comfort and safety of your home," United said in an email to supporters on Tuesday.

"To help with that, the Premier League and their media partners will work to deliver the very best broadcast coverage of our games.

"We also ask for your co-operation not to travel to any stadiums at which we are playing on matchdays.

"By supporting from home and following Government guidance, you will be playing your part to keep your friends, your family and all United fans safe.

"This united effort to stay at home will give us the best chance of protecting the health of everyone in our community."

United currently sit fifth in the Premier League standings, three points behind fourth placed Chelsea.