‘Victims in Utd’s minds and hearts’

manchester — Jose Mourinho said the victims of a deadly suicide bomb attack in Manchester were in the “minds and hearts” of his squad as United prepare for Wednesday’s Europa League final against Ajax in Stockholm.

“We’re all very sad about the tragic events of Monday night, we can’t take out of our minds & hearts the victims & their families,” manager Mourinho said in comments on United’s Twitter feed.

“We have a job to do & will fly to Sweden to do that job. It’s a pity we cannot fly with the happiness we always have before a big game.”

Mourinho, who joined United last year, added: “I know, even during my short time here, that the people of Manchester will pull together as one.”

The Portuguese led his players in a minute’s silence on United’s training pitches and the club said they were cancelling Tuesday’s pre-match press conference in Stockholm.

“Due to the tragic events in Manchester last night and the effect that this has had on everyone here at our club and within our city, we have decided to cancel this evening’s pre-match press conference in Stockholm,” 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 Old Trafford ground was closed to the public, with the English football giants saying they were “ready to help the police and other emergency services in any way that may be required at this challenging time for our city”.

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 prematch 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. —

From Amsterdam with love to Manchester. Our thoughts are with the victims and the loved ones of those affected Ajax tweeted