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The Man United players stand for a minute's silence this morning. Martin Rickett
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Man United shut down Old Trafford and cancel Europa League press conference in Stockholm

Jose Mourinho was due to speak to the media in Stockholm later.

MANCHESTER UNITED HAVE received permission from Uefa to cancel their scheduled pre-match press conference ahead of the Europa League final after last night’s bomb attack in Manchester.

Jose Mourinho was due to speak to the media at 6pm tonight in Stockholm ahead of Man United’s clash with Ajax at the Friends Arena, but in light of the tragic events in Manchester the press event has been cancelled.

“Due to the tragic events in Manchester last night (Monday), and the effect that this has had on 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.

The city is still coming to terms with the heartbreak and devastation of last night’s suspected suicide bombing at the Manchester Arena after 22 people, including children, were killed.

The Man United squad trained as scheduled at their base in Carrington this morning and held a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for the victims before the session. They will travel to Sweden ahead of Wednesday’s final later.

Earlier, Uefa confirmed the game will go ahead as planned.

Man United also released a statement expressing their shock at events in the city and confirmed the club’s megastore, museum, Red Cafe and stadium tours at Old Trafford would be closed for the day.

It read: “Everyone at Manchester United is deeply shocked by last night’s terrible events at the Manchester Arena. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected, including our supporters, club staff and members of our community such as the children from our Manchester United Foundation partner schools who were attending the concert at the Arena.

“Club staff are ready to help the police and other emergency services in any way that may be required at this challenging time for our city.

“Old Trafford’s Megastore, Museum, Red Cafe and Stadium Tour are all closed to the public today.”

United are due to have a routine pre-match meeting with Uefa later today, at which it is understood they will now ask if their players can wear black armbands in the final as a mark of respect in response to the attack that also left 59 people injured.

Meanwhile, a help centre was opened at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium for those affected while the club flag was flown at half mast.

Uefa confirm Europa League final will go ahead despite Manchester attacks

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