Manchester United have cancelled their news conference ahead of the Europa League final in Stockholm following Monday's suicide attack at a pop concert in their own city which killed 22 people.

Zurich: Manchester United have cancelled their news conference ahead of the Europa League final in Stockholm following Monday's suicide attack at a pop concert in their own city which killed 22 people.

European soccer body UEFA said it had agreed to a request from United to cancel Tuesday's conference, which was due to be held at the Friends Arena, the venue for Wednesday's match against Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam.

Also Read: An Opportunity For Manchester United To Provide Healing Touch to Their City

UEFA said the team would practice at their own ground on Tuesday as planned before flying to Sweden. A team walk at the stadium in the evening would go ahead.

At least 22 people were killed and 59 were wounded when the suicide bomber struck as thousands of fans streamed out of a concert by U.S. singer Ariana Grande in Manchester on Monday night.</s>The difficult period Manchester, England, is experiencing has made friends out of foes.

Manchester City used Twitter on Wednesday to congratulate Manchester United for its 2-0 win over Ajax in the 2017 UEFA Europa League final. Manchester City blended the clubs’ colors in a poignant message it sent seconds after the final whistle and two days after a suicide bomber detonated a device, which killed 22 people and hospitalized at least 59 following an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena.

Just 3.8 miles separate Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium from Manchester United’s Old Trafford. The teams have become fierce rivals in recent years, with Manchester City supplanting Manchester United as the most powerful team in the city.

But the bombing seems to have united the city, and its teams, in both grief and healing.

Manchester United and Manchester City will compete in the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup and UEFA Champions League next season. Should they face off, they’ll now do so in a greater spirit of brotherhood than ever before.

Review our live coverage of the Europa League final >>

Have a question for Marcus Kwesi O'Mard? Send it to him via Twitter at @NESNsoccer or @mkomard, his Facebook page or NESN Soccer's Facebook page. .story-footer</s>Bengaluru, May 23: The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) have released an official statement regarding the security of the Europa League final in the backdrop of the Manchester terror attacks. [22 dead in Manchester Arena blast]

UEFA had sent their condolences to the families who have been affected by the Manchester Arena bomb blast.

Europa League final between Manchester United and Ajax is scheduled to take place on Wednesday (May 24) in Stockholm, Sweden.

The Manchester attack ahead of the grand final has surely stirred the security concerns. In their statement, UEFA has clarified that they are looking into the local security at Stockholm and it will be their utmost priority.

The official statement of UEFA read: "UEFA is shocked by last night's attack in Manchester. Our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those affected.

"There is currently no specific intelligence which might suggest that any of the UEFA Europa League final activities in Stockholm may be the target of attacks.

"UEFA has been closely working with local authorities and the Swedish FA for many months and the terrorist risk had been taken into account since the very beginning of the project. Furthermore, a number of additional security measures were implemented following the attacks in Stockholm last April.

"Due to the tight security arrangements, UEFA urges fans to arrive at the stadium as early as possible, as detailed checks will be made at the entrances, resulting in potential delays in accessing the stadium."</s>A game with special importance for Manchester United after the terrorist attack

In the wake of the Manchester attack the Europa League final between Manchester United and Ajax seems of little importance.

However, the game has started and Manchester United scored on the 18′ with Paul Pogba.

The second half begun and Manchester scores again immediately!

 Ajax vs Manchester United 0-2 at 48′ with Mkhitaryan!</s>Contractually obliged to put in a public appearance at the venue 24 hours ahead of the Europa League final, it was clear they did not want to be there but were nevertheless following the hoarse sentiment of their manager. “We have a job to do and will fly to Sweden to do that job,” Jose Mourinho had said. The Portuguese led them on to the pitch; as soon as was appropriate, he led them off again. All the time, a giant screen above their heads showed live images of Ajax manager Peter Bosz conducting his press conference as usual. Mourinho and the United players could not hear the words but they found sympathetic ears all across the globe. “What happened yesterday evening in Manchester is something we all feel in Ajax and on behalf of all of us at Ajax we express our sympathies with the victims that fell,” Bosz said. “The feeling that prevails is the final does not have the glow it should have.

“It should be a football feast but, because of the events in Manchester, we are affected. It is horrible. My sympathies are heartfelt.” And yet just as football united in the aftermath of the Paris bombings behind the France team who bravely played at Wembley three nights later, this final is an important and helpful part of the process. Ajax held a private minute’s silence ahead of training. Among them, midfielder Lasse Schone was no doubt reflecting on the horrific randomness of these despicable acts. Two weeks earlier, Ariana Grande had performed in Amsterdam and his wife and child had been in the audience. Tonight, a curtailed pre-match ceremony and collective period of reflection before kick-off will indeed make it a very different atmosphere to the one envisaged. Old Trafford kept its club shop doors closed yesterday as a mark of respect and tours of the ground were cancelled. As early as yesterday morning, the club’s executive vice chairman Edward Woodward had already decided a party planned for United staff back in Manchester could not now go ahead. “Manchester is a resilient city and I’m sure that its people will defy the wishes of those who have perpetrated this awful crime and demonstrate what a magnificent place this is,” he wrote in an internal email to staff.

“The club provides counselling and support services in times of crisis; please do not be afraid to ask if you have been affected.” Monday night’s blast at the Manchester Arena has inevitably led to increased levels of security. “There is currently no specific intelligence which might suggest that any of the activities in Stockholm may be the target of attacks,” UEFA said in a statement. “But due to the tight security arrangements, UEFA urges fans to arrive at the stadium as early as possible, as detailed checks will be made at the entrances, resulting in potential delays in accessing the stadium.” Additional measures had already been put in place following the act of terrorism in Stockholm on April 7, when a stolen beer truck was driven into a flagship department store, killing four shoppers. Outside that same Ahlens store yesterday, the residents of Stockholm were going about their business as usual, many of them pausing for a coffee on the pedestrianised street, soaking up the surprisingly warm sunshine as their conversations added to the sort of relaxed babble you would expect around a peaceful city on a summer’s evening.

The first few fans from both clubs were among them, although as locals made their way home from work there was little indication that as many as 20,000 fans are expected to arrive here from Manchester by tonight. Many of them will not have tickets but they are no longer gate-crashing a party but offering instead solidarity with those lucky enough to get inside the Friends Arena. It will be a difficult night for all – especially the United players. For all the millions on those various contracts, this is not something any of them, recruited from all over the world, ever signed up for. Tonight, though, they must return to the same pitch they trudged solemnly around yesterday and become beacons of resilience that represent the whole of Manchester as the world looks on. It is not now about winning or losing – no footballing trinket could provide the smallest amount of solace to those coming to terms with such tragic grief back in Manchester. But whatever the result, for the sake of both halves of the city, those United players must go out and play football with freedom, bravery and pride.</s>Manchester United fans in Stockholm showed their thoughts are with their home city along with their football team.

An intensive police presence is being felt in Sweden's capital ahead of tomorrow night's Europa League final in the wake of last night's horrific attack on Manchester Arena.

But Red Devils fans are showing unbridled passion with customary chants about their club.

The masses of United fans gathered at The Lion pub in Stockholm's Old Town have also used their considerable voices to hit out at Isis, the terrorist organisation which has claimed responsibility for the 22 lives taken in Monday night's blast.

"You can stick your f****** ISIS up your a***," goes their simple refrain, leaving no room for interpretation about how they feel.

Man United and Ajax are expected to unite on Wednesday night in wearing black arm bands, a gesture that's been left up to the individual clubs by UEFA.

While the fans were singing in Stockholm, thousands of mourners attended vigils throughout the UK, including in Manchester's Albert Square outside the town hall.

Both groups of players observed a minute's silence today, United at training before they left for Sweden and Ajax at Friends Arena where they'll play on Wednesday.

Good natured banter and revelry have been the hallmark so far in Stockholm in the lead up to the match but there is no doubt officials are prepared should any fans get out of order.

Police are stationed on every corner of heavy traffic areas and fan groups have been kept apart.

The Mirror saw one small group of fans from the Dutch club steered away from where the United fans have gathered, while there is a large number of police on the streets on foot and horseback making their presence felt.

Security forces from Manchester and Amsterdam have travelled to Stockholm to assist with keeping the peace.</s>Manchester United have now won all three of Europe's major competitions

Manchester United claimed their second major trophy of the season and secured Champions League football as they overcame Ajax to win the Europa League final in Stockholm.

On an emotional night following the attack which killed 22 people at Ariana Grande's concert at the Manchester Arena on Monday, United's fans were allowed a measure of celebration as Jose Mourinho's side won in comfort.

Paul Pogba's deflected shot put them ahead in the 18th minute and Henrikh Mkhitaryan's sixth Europa League goal of the campaign, flicked in from Chris Smalling's header at a corner, confirmed they would add to the EFL Cup won against Southampton earlier this season.

Wayne Rooney made a brief appearance as a substitute with a minute left and the game won, being handed the captain's armband by Antonio Valencia on what could well be his farewell appearance for United.

And as the final whistle sounded and United's celebrations began, chants of "Manchester" rang around the Friends Arena in tribute to those who died and were injured in the attack which cast a shadow over this showpiece occasion.

Media playback is not supported on this device Man Utd & Ajax pay tribute to Manchester victims

Mourinho - who has so often looked so unhappy this season - ran on to the field to celebrate with his players and was thrown in the air by his coaching staff and hugged by his son.

It means United are now the fifth team to claim the full quota of European trophies, joining an illustrious list with Ajax, Chelsea, Juventus and Bayern Munich.

Mourinho back in the old routine

Jose Mourinho has now won four major European trophies

Mourinho has had his moments of frustration this season - especially with 15 Premier League draws that led to an unsatisfactory sixth-place finish.

It left United's Champions League hopes resting on this game but the win and subsequent qualification for the group stages of Europe's elite tournament means that Mourinho can regard this season as a real success.

Some may question the quality of United's performances and this undoubtedly remains a work in progress but two trophies and that place back in the Champions League is an impressive outcome, irrespective of the style in which it was achieved.

It was also a European final won without key defender Eric Bailly, who was suspended, and 28-goal leading scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who sustained a serious knee injury in the quarter-final win against Anderlecht at Old Trafford.

Media playback is not supported on this device 'This is for Manchester' - Man Utd fans on emotional triumph

Tottenham's Mauricio Pochettino and Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp have received much praise for their work this season and getting into next season's Champions League - Mourinho has done that and added the actual tangible reward of two pieces of silverware on top.

Mourinho's mood has often been dark this season but he still has that habit of dealing in his favourite currency, namely trophies.

And the result means United can, finally, regard their season as a successful one as a night which started with a mixture of silence then applause for those who died in Monday's attack and ended with Wayne Rooney lifting the Europa League trophy on what is very likely to be his final appearance for the club.

Pogba shows his class

Paul Pogba scored his ninth goal of the season

Pogba has struggled to justify the world-record transfer fee of £89m paid to Juventus last summer but this was a stage on which he showed flashes of the qualities that persuaded Mourinho to make him such a high-priority signing.

Like this United side, there is still much to do before he can be regarded as the finished article but the manner in which he made sure early midfield dominance was secured was impressive and he added a goal for good measure.

It may end up being classed as an own goal but Pogba will happily accept it, trying his luck from 20 yards after being afforded just a little too much space by Ajax captain Davy Klaassen and helped by a huge deflection off Davinson Sanchez. And perhaps he was due that touch of good fortune after being thwarted by the woodwork so often this season.

And it was another profitable night for another big-money Mourinho buy, Mkhitaryan. The Armenian struggled in the first half but showed what a priceless poacher's instinct he has, swooping from close range for another Europa League goal.

Ajax youngsters suffer stage fright

Ajax were appearing in their first European final since 1996

Ajax coach Peter Bosz said it would be understandable for his young side to feel nervous - and his fears were confirmed as they were never able to show off the full extent of their glittering promise.

Six of the starting line-up were 21 or under in the youngest 11 to start a major European final, with an average age of 22 years and 280 days. In defender Matthijs de Ligt, they had the youngest player to feature in one at 17 years and 285 days.

"It was a boring game. There were no chances from both sides," Bosz said after the final whistle.

"I'm disappointed because you play finals to win them. We didn't. I haven't seen the Ajax that I'm used to."

This was a night of disappointment for this great, historic old club but they are staying true to their finest traditions by producing outstanding young talent and showing a commitment to attacking football.

Ajax have established the foundations for more success.

"For all the players, this is the first final," he added.

"They will learn a lot from it and we will become stronger, and if we can keep this squad together we will be stronger next season, for sure."

Man of the match - Paul Pogba (Manchester United)

Paul Pogba rejoined Manchester United last summer for a world record fee of £89m

Mourinho maintains European final record - The stats you need to know

Paul Pogba scored in back-to-back games for United after a run of 19 games without one. It was the first time he had done so at club level since April 2016 for Juventus.

Five of Henrikh Mkhitaryan's last six United goals have come in the Europa League.

Jose Mourinho has won all four of his European finals as a manager, winning the 2003 Uefa Cup and 2004 Champions League with Porto, as well as the 2010 Champions League with Inter Milan.

Mourinho has maintained his 100% win record against Ajax, winning all seven matches against the Dutch side.

Late substitute Wayne Rooney made his fourth appearance in a major European final for Manchester United (also the 2008, 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals), equalling the record held by Ryan Giggs.

United did not lose a single game this season in which they scored first (W37 D8).

Marcus Rashford became the youngest Englishman - aged 19 years and 205 days - to start a major European final since Gary Mills in May 1980 for Nottingham Forest, who was aged 18 years and 198 days when he played against Hamburg.

The Manchester United players pose with a banner for those who lost their lives in the Manchester attack</s>STOCKHOLM (AP) – The ''glow'' has been taken off the Europa League final because of the deadly bomb attack in Manchester that killed at least 22 people, Ajax coach Peter Bosz said on Tuesday.

''Tomorrow evening should be a football feast,'' Bosz said of Wednesday's game in Stockholm, ''but because of events in Manchester, we're all affected, particularly as we're playing against Manchester.''

The attack took place at the end of an Ariana Grande concert in central Manchester late Monday.

The wives and children of some Ajax players attended one of the American pop star's concerts in Amsterdam about two weeks ago.

''My wife and my child were there (in Amsterdam),'' said Ajax midfielder Lasse Schone, who added that he was ''devastated'' by the attack. ''It's so close (to the final). It's terrible. It's horrible.''

United manager Jose Mourinho's pre-match news conference was canceled at the request of the English club, although the somber nature of United's build-up to the game was underlined in comments Mourinho gave to the club's official website.

Mourinho said the victims and their families were in ''our minds and our hearts'' and that ''we cannot fly with the happiness that we always have before a big game.''

UEFA confirmed early Tuesday that the final would go ahead as planned and Bosz said that the decision was out of his control, even if there is a ''shadow hanging over this match.''

''It's terrible what happened there,'' he said, ''but it's for other people to decide that.''

''This match was something we were all looking forward to, it should be one big celebration,'' Bosz added, ''and something like this happens two days before.''

UEFA said there will be a minute's silence before the final in honor of the victims, and that the opening ceremony will be ''considerably reduced'' as a mark of respect.

United's players observed a minute's silence at a morning training session on Tuesday before flying to Stockholm.

Mourinho led United's players onto the field at Friends Arena, the venue for the final, for a short team walk on Tuesday evening.</s>Two of the young players who featured in Manchester United's final Premier League squad of the season trained with the team ahead of the Europa League final.

Demetri Mitchell and Scott McTominay were both with the first-team squad as they trained ahead of the final against Ajax in Stockholm.

Before they started training at Carrington, the team held a minute's silence in memory of those killed and injured in the terror attack at the Manchester Arena the night before.

The two main injury doubts ahead of training were Marouane Fellaini and Chris Smalling but both were present for the session, which featured 22 players.

Although Fellaini was involved with a smaller side group who trained away from the main squad.

The smaller group also included Wayne Rooney, Mitchell, McTominay, Axel Tuanzebe, Timothy Fosu Mensah and Phil Jones.

Eric Bailly also trained with the squad but will not feature in Stockholm after he was sent off in the semi final against Celta Vigo at Old Trafford.

The squad were due to fly out to Stockholm following the training session and were scheduled to have a walk around at the Friends Arena ahead of the game on Wednesday evening.

We're raising money for the victims of the Manchester Arena attack. Click here to help...

Mourinho was due to address the media at the Friends Arena at 5.15pm - but the club confirmed those plans had been cancelled following the suicide bomb attack at the Manchester Arena, which claimed 22 lives.</s>SHAKEN by the deadly Manchester bomb attack, Manchester United’s players arrived in Stockholm on Tuesday for a Europa League final against Ajax that has been scarred by tragedy.

United manager Jose Mourinho said the attack, which left 22 people dead and 59 injured, had deeply affected his players, who held a minute’s silence at their Carrington training base prior to leaving for Stockholm.

Manchester United will honour the victims with a minute’s silence and black armbands at Wednesday’s final, the club’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said.

United cancelled their eve-of-match press conference at the Friends Arena, but Mourinho and his players solemnly went ahead with a scheduled walk around the pitch before returning to the team hotel.

“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.

“We have a job to do and 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.

“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.”

Ajax coach Peter Bosz told his pre-match press conference: “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.”

Young children were among the victims of the suicide bomb attack, claimed by the Islamic State group, which occurred after a concert by American pop star Ariana Grande at the Manchester Arena on Monday.

The wife and two young daughters of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola were in attendance, but are reportedly safe.

It was the deadliest attack to hit Britain since the July 2005 attack on the London transport network, which left 52 people dead.

A minute’s silence will be held before Wednesday’s game and a pre-match ceremony has been cut back, while United’s players will wear black armbands.

European governing body UEFA said it had “no specific intelligence” suggesting the Europa League final would be targeted by attacks.

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” on Wednesday 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 extra armed officers would be deployed 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.

Yaya Toure and his agent Dimitri Seluk have promised to donate £100,000 to help the victims of the Manchester attack.

Seluk told Sky Sports: “The news an eight-year-old girl went to see her favourite singer and didn’t return home is too much to bear.

“Yaya and I want to help. We talked this morning about what happened and he asked me what he thought we could do.

“We have agreed to donate £50,000 each to help the victims of this terrible crime. It doesn’t matter whether the victims are from Manchester or not.

“Those of us lucky enough to work every day in football can do so because of the generosity of fans across the world.

“Yaya is from Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), I am Russian. It doesn’t matter. Today is a chance for those of us in football to help out.

“My son is eight years old and I can’t image the pain and the suffering that the parents of Saffie will be going through today.”

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.”

He told Eurosport UK: “I think deeply to the victims, and to the wounded persons.”

“Kids, teenagers, adults. To their families, to their friends, to all. All of you, and all of us.

“I think to this city, Manchester, and Mancunians that I love deeply. I think to this country, England, and the English that I love deeply.

“I suffer with you, my heart is with you, I always feel close to you.”

A help centre was opened at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium for those affected by the blast.

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.
Manchester United beat Dutch opponents Ajax 2–0 at the Friends Arena in Solna, Sweden, to win the 2016–17 UEFA Europa League and qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League group stage.