Manchester United have confirmed they won't be placing staff on furlough during the coronavirus shutdown. 

They've bucked the recent trend which has seen the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and Norwich City avail of the UK government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

The decision of Liverpool in particular to ask the government guarantee 80% of workers salaries has drew criticism from all sides.

The Premier League leaders have since performed a volte face and reversed their decision.

Last week, Julian Knight MP said it was "morally wrong" for Premier League clubs to furlough staff while continuing to pay players their full wage.

Rather than furloughing staff, United have encouraged employees who are currently unable to work or have a lighter than normal workload to volunteer time to the NHS or local communities.

United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward informed 900 members of full-time staff at the club that they would continue to be paid as normal.

They join neighbours Manchester City in guaranteeing the pay of their staff and not resorting the UK government's scheme which sees 80% of wages covered up to £2,500 a month.

Liverpool performed a volte face on their original decision to furlough staff, with chief executive Peter Moore saying they were "truly sorry" and exploring other means of securing employees' pay.

Meanwhile, United have also extended goodwill payments to casual matchday staff to June 1.