Extra security for United at Europa League final

The Europa League final between Manchester United and Ajax will take place as planned in Stockholm today, but with heightened security in the wake of the Manchester terror attack.

The United squad has flown to Sweden but the club has cancelled a press conference there on Tuesday in the wake of the attack. Like their neighbours Manchester City, the club has issued a statement expressing shock, sorrow and sympathy after the attack.

The players, who gathered at the club’s training complex yesterday, held a minute’s silence. Added security measures were in evidence.

“Players had their cars searched as they entered their Carrington training ground yesterday morning, while the club’s megastore was closed for the day and stadium tours were suspended,” reports the Daily Mail.

Flags at Old Trafford were flying at halfmast yesterday, says The Sun, which adds that United have requested permission to wear black armbands tomorrow night.

“Anti-terror cops have now thrown an impenetrable ring of steel around United’s clash at the Friends Arena in Sweden amid heightened fears of an attack,” adds the paper, which says “Jose Mourinho’s stars are being protected around the clock by gun cops” ahead of the match.

Despite the decision to play the final, “football will not be on the minds of all those making the trip over the next 48 hours,” says Chris Bascombe of the Daily Telegraph.