MOURINHO: OUR HEARTS ARE WITH THE VICTIMS
UNITED MOURNING AHEAD OF EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL, AS AJAX YOUNGSTERS EYE SURPRISE
Jose Mourinho says the “hearts and minds” of everyone at Manchester United are with those affected by the horrific attack that killed 22 people and injured many more.
In the wake of the incident at Manchester Arena, UEFA accepted United’s formal request to cancel their press conference ahead of the Europa League final, while the team held a minute’s silence at training before flying to Stockholm.
“We are all very sad about the tragic events; we cannot take out of our minds and our hearts the victims and their families,” United manager Mourinho said. “We have a job to do and we will fly to Sweden to do that job. It is a pity we cannot fly with the happiness that 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.”
Mourinho led the team on a walk around the Friends Arena pitch upon arriving in Sweden last night. The squad – along with the suspended Eric Bailly – congregated in the centre circle, while injured Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw and Ashley Young stayed on the sidelines as they were on crutches.
It is unclear how the United players and staff have been impacted by the explosion ahead of the Europa League final – a match that not only offers silverware but Champions League qualification.
Asked what impact it has had on Uni ted’ s preparations, executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said: “We’ve got a job to do, no question about that, and that hasn’t been changed. But I think what happened (on Monday) really put things into perspective.
“Success on the pitch really is nothing compared to the pain and suffering going on back home, that is really where our thoughts are.”
Back-up goalkeeper Sergio Romero will start for United after Mourinho confirmed he would play instead of David De Gea.
Marouane Fellaini (hamstring) and Chris Smalling (toe) trained yesterday.
Ajax have the chance to win their first major continental trophy since 1995 and, in keeping with their traditions, a young, attackminded side is charged with securing a famous win.
“Of course, we got to a final with a certain way of playing, which is our forte,” manager Peter Bosz said.
“We try not to change what we did before.
“The opposition can of course force you to play a different kind of football.
“With your team, you discuss all the scenarios. It all depends how strong we are. If we can play as strongly as we can, we’ll show this way of playing to Manchester.
“I think we only have a chance to beat Manchester if we play our own game.
“We have our own way of playing developed this season, which I always call the Ajax way of playing.
“So, if we can play our way, we have a chance.”
Nick Viergever is suspended for Ajax and fellow defender and Daley Sinkgraven is out, despite resuming training after a knee injury sustained six weeks ago. Davy Klaassen will skipper the Dutch side, with Chelsea loanee Bertrand Traore set to play in attack.