Manchester United will not the government furlough scheme to protect 900 full-time members of staff during the coronavirus pandemic.

Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Norwich City and Bournemouth have all decided to use the scheme, which 80 per cent of wages, up to a maximum of 2,500 per month.

Liverpool reversed their decision to use furlough leave after backlash from supporters, and United have taken the route of rivals Manchester City by declaring they would help staff out of their own deep pockets.

Sky Sportssays chief executive Ed Woodward sent an email to those involved promising to pay wages as if employees were working as usual.

The club will also continue to pay matchday staff - around 3,000 people - as well as extending goodwill payments for non-matchday staff until June 1.

But United legend Gary Neville says it has taken too long for United to make a decision.

"As a Manchester United fan, I'm disappointed it has taken three weeks for them to come out with a meaningful statement," he said.

"Manchester United, as the most famous club in the world and the biggest club in the Premier League from a revenue point of view, should be pioneering and leading from the front. I'm not sure I've been that yet but maybe it will come."