Sadness ahead of Europa final

VICTIMS ARE IN UNITED’S HEARTS, MINDS Red Devils delay flight to Stockholm to mourn losses from deadly attack.

Manchester United’s preparations for Wednesday’s Europa League final were plunged into sadness yesterday after a bomb attack at a Manchester pop concert killed 22 people and injured dozens more.

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.”

Uefa urged fans to arrive at the stadium “as early as possible” tonight as “detailed (security) checks will be made at the entrances”.

Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin said he was “deeply saddened” by the “horrible terrorist attack”.

United club captain Wayne Rooney expressed his shock on Twitter: “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. – AFP