Manchester United have sanctioned goodwill payments to all of the club’s non-contract match-day workers for the remainder of this season following the suspension of fixtures until at least April 30 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

– VAR in the Premier League: Ultimate guide
– How VAR has affected every Premier League club
– When does the transfer window re-open?

United currently have a minimum of five home games in all competitions at Old Trafford to play this season and the shutdown of all competitive football in England has left many casual match-day staff facing the prospect of going unpaid due to the fixtures either being cancelled or staged behind closed doors.

Match-day staff, including stewards, kiosk operators, programme sellers and car park attendants, are only contracted to work on days when Old Trafford stages a first-team fixture.

But following confirmation on Thursday that football will remain on hold in England until April 30 at the earliest, United have now confirmed that all match-day and non-match-day casual staff will be paid, whether the games take place or not.

“We rely on our outstanding staff to deliver an exceptional service and experience to fans at Old Trafford,” Woodward said. “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.”

In a statement, United added: “This goodwill gesture reflects the club’s desire to reduce the financial uncertainty facing its casual workforce, and is in recognition of the crucial role they play in delivering services to supporters.”