Manager Jose Mourinho led his players in a solemn minute’s silence on United’s Carrington training pitches west of Manchester city centre and said the club had been deeply affected by the tragedy.
“We’re all very sad about the tragic events last night; we can’t take out of our minds and hearts the victims and their families,” Mourinho said in quotes published on United’s Twitter account.
United were due to fly to Stockholm, scene of the final, later yesterday, but the club cancelled their pre-match press conference scheduled to take place at the city’s Friends Arena.
“We have a job to do and will fly to Sweden to do that job,” Mourinho added. “It’s a pity we cannot fly with the happiness we always have before a big game.
“I know, even during my short time here, that the people of Manchester will pull together as one.”
Announcing the decision to cancel their press conference, United said in a statement: “We are sure that, in the circumstances, you will all understand our position on this matter.
“Our thoughts are with the victims at this terribly difficult time.”
United’s opponents in the final, Dutch club Ajax, tweeted: “From Amsterdam with love to Manchester. Our thoughts are with the victims and the loved ones of those affected.”
Ajax head coach Peter Bosz was scheduled to hold a pre-match conference at the Friends Arena later on Tuesday.
The suicide bomb attack in Manchester, which claimed the lives of children and also injured 59 people, struck after a concert by American pop star Ariana Grande at the Manchester Arena.
It was the deadliest attack to hit Britain since the July 2005 attack on the London transport network, which left 52 people dead.
European governing body UEFA said it had “no specific intelligence” suggesting the Europa League final would be targeted by attacks.
Rooney ‘devastated’
It said security arrangements had already been beefed up following last month’s truck attack in the Swedish capital, which claimed five lives and injured around 15 people.
UEFA urged fans to arrive at the stadium “as early as possible” today as “detailed (security) checks will be made at the entrances”.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said he was “deeply saddened” by the “horrible terrorist attack”.
“It shocks me that so many innocent people lost their lives and I would like to send my condolences to the families of those affected,” he added.
England’s Football Association said “robust security measures” would be in place for Saturday’s FA Cup final between Arsenal and Premier League champions Chelsea at London’s Wembley Stadium.
It comes just over a month after the team bus of German side Borussia Dortmund was targeted by three roadside bomb blasts prior to a Champions League home game
with Monaco.
That attack, which left defender Marc Bartra with a fractured wrist, is believed to have been carried out by a man who hoped to profit from a fall in Dortmund’s share price.
United club captain Wayne Rooney expressed his shock on Twitter, writing: “Devastating news this morning. Thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.”
Former United player Cristiano Ronaldo published a picture of a British Union Jack flag bearing the word “MANCHESTER” on his social media accounts.
“So sad to hear the news from Manchester,” the Real Madrid superstar wrote on Instagram. “My thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims.”
A help centre was opened at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium for those affected by the blast.
“The thoughts and prayers of our ownership, board and everyone at Manchester City are with the people of Manchester and all those affected following the horrifying events of last night’s Manchester Arena attack,” City wrote in a statement.
United are targeting victory in the Europa League final in order to complete their trophy collection and secure a place in next season’s Champions League, having failed to qualify via the Premier League.
Ajax will be appearing in their first European final since losing on penalties to Juventus in the 1996 Champions League final.
UEFA announces minute’s silence at final
UEFA has announced that a minute’s silence for the victims of the Manchester bomb attack will be observed before the final today.
Speaking at the end of a media conference featuring two Ajax players, a UEFA official said that a minute’s silence would be observed and that the opening ceremony would be scaled back in the wake of the attack at a pop concert in Manchester.
Recent Europa League winners
2015-16: Sevilla (ESP)
2014-15: Sevilla (ESP)
2013-14: Sevilla (ESP)
2012-13: Chelsea (ENG)
2011-12: Atletico Madrid (ESP)
2010-11: Porto (POR)
2009-10: Atletico Madrid (ESP)
2008-09: Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)
2007-08: Zenit Saint Petersburg (RUS)
2006-07: Sevilla (ESP)
Europa League final has lost ‘glow’: Ajax coach
AFP/Stockholm
The Europa League final between Manchester United and Ajax will not be the same following the deadly terror attack in Manchester, the Dutch club’s coach Peter Bosz said yesterday.
“What happened in Manchester is something that we all feel at Ajax,” Bosz told his pre-match press conference at Stockholm’s Friends Arena.
“On behalf of the players and the staff, we at Ajax would like to express sympathy with the victims who unfortunately fell yesterday.
“The feeling that prevails is that the final doesn’t have the glow it should have. Tomorrow evening should be a football feast, but because of events in Manchester, we’re all affected, particularly as we’re playing against Manchester. It’s horrible. My heartfelt sympathies.”
Twenty-two people were killed and 59 injured in a suicide bomb attack that targeted a concert by American pop star Ariana Grande at Manchester Arena on Monday.
Grande, who was unhurt in the attack, recently performed in Amsterdam and several of the Ajax players’ wives and children attended the concert.
“It’s devastating,” said midfielder Lasse Schone. “Ariana Grande performed in Amsterdam two weeks ago. My wife and my child were there. It’s so close. It’s terrible, it’s horrible.
“Our sympathies go out to the victims’ friends and families. It takes away some of the sparkle of what will happen tomorrow.”
