Manchester United stars hold minute's silence for victims of terror attack as security is ramped up at training ground and Europa League final venue

• e-mail

Manchester United's clash with Ajax in the Europa League final will still go ahead on Wednesday despite the pop concert terror attack at Manchester Arena.

An explosion in the foyer of the north-west venue on Monday killed 22 people, with a further 119 requiring hospital treatment.

The incident sparked questions over whether or not the Stockholm match would take place as planned, but European football's governing body, UEFA, announced on Tuesday that a minute's silence will be held before kick-off after confirming the game will go ahead as planned.

Police patrol the outside of the Friends Arena in Stockholm ahead of the Europa League final on Wednesday

The Europa League final between Manchester United and Ajax will still take place in Stockholm on Wednesday night

Additional security measures were put in place around the perimeter of the Friends Arena in the Swedish city on Tuesday

United players' cars were searched by security officials on their way into training at the Carrington facility

Wayne Rooney leads a minute's silence among his United team-mates in honour of those who lost their lives

A statement read: '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'. 

Additional security cordons were put in place at the Friends Arena in the Swedish city on Tuesday, as organisers continued to prepare for the showpiece event hours after the atrocity which has shaken the UK.  

There was a very visible police presence around the Friends Arena ahead of Wednesday's European final

Workers construct temporary security barriers outside the stadium in the Swedish city

A police van is pictured at the bottom of steps leading up to the Friends Arena on Tuesday morning

Security measures will inevitably be tightened after the worst UK terror attack since the 7/7 bombings in London in 2005

United were preparing to fly to Stockholm but cancelled a press conference, which had been scheduled for Tuesday

United manager Jose Mourinho's head is bowed during training on Tuesday morning as Monday night's events are digested

The Manchester United squad were put through their paces ahead of the Europa League final against Dutch club Ajax

Paul Pogba was among the United players pictured in training on Tuesday prior to the match in Sweden

The blast at the Manchester Arena, which took place at around 10.33pm on Monday - just after American singer Ariana Grande had finished a performance to an audience which included hundreds of young children, has once again sparked security concerns.

Manchester United's players had their cars searched as they entered their Carrington training ground on Tuesday morning, while the club's megastore was closed for the day and stadium tours were suspended.

The planned press conference ahead of the Red Devils' game against Ajax - scheduled to take place in Stockholm at 5.15pm on Tuesday evening - has been cancelled. 

Sportsmail understands it was manager Jose Mourinho's idea.

The Portuguese said: '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.

'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.'   

A club statement read: 'Due to the tragic events in Manchester last night, and the effect that this has had on everyone here at the club and within our city, we have decided to cancel this evening's pre-match press conference in Stockholm.

'We are sure that, in the circumstances, you will all understand our position on this matter.

'Our thoughts are with the victims and their families at this terribly difficult time.'

United are still due to walk around the Friends Arena following their arrival in Stockholm on Tuesday evening.

Mourinho's squad trained as normal at Carrington prior to flying out to Sweden, and the players took part in a minute's silence before the session in tribute to those who lost their lives.

Wayne Rooney, Paul Pogba and the rest of the United team stood in a circle with their heads bowed in memory of the 22 people who died - the first of whom has been formally identified as 18-year-old Georgina Callander.

United have asked UEFA for permission to wear black armbands for their meeting with Ajax, while the club flag at Old Trafford is currently flying at half mast, as is the case at the Etihad Stadium - the home of Manchester City, where police have set up a help centre for those affected by Monday's attack. 

Meanwhile, the Football Association have confirmed that there will be additional security measures put in place for this weekend's FA Cup final. 

Chelsea are due to take on Arsenal at Wembley on Saturday but, following events at the Manchester Arena, the organisers have moved to reassure match-goers. The reinforced security will also be present for the Championship and League Two play-off finals.

United will still take on Ajax despite the harrowing events at the Manchester Arena on Monday night

Rooney, who tweeted a message of support to victims' families, kicks a ball during the training session at Carrington

 An FA statement read: 'Fan safety is of paramount importance and we have robust security measures in place at Wembley Stadium.

'In collaboration with the Metropolitan Police and the local authorities there will be an enhanced security operation for all upcoming events.

'All supporters are encouraged to arrive for events at Wembley Stadium as early as possible for security checks and to avoid any delays in entering the stadium.' 

The EFL, who run the Championship, League One and League Two play-off events at Wembley, said: 'Whilst there have been no specific threats in this country, our security adviser will be liaising with Wembley Stadium, the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) and the Metropolitan Police to ensure the arrangements in place provide a safe and secure environment for all supporters attending this weekend's play-off final matches. 

'The safety of fans remains our highest priority. The EFL takes security issues extremely seriously and we would urge all supporters planning to be at Wembley Stadium to be vigilant of their surroundings at all times, stay alert and not be alarmed.'

The International Cricket Council have also addressed security concerns in the UK ahead of this summer's Champions Trophy and Women's World Cup tournaments.

The Champions Trophy is due to be staged at venues in Birmingham, London and Cardiff, while Bristol, Derby, Leicester and Taunton will all host Women's World Cup fixtures.

An ICC statement committed to a review of the tournaments' security protocols.

It read: 'Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the horrific attack in Manchester. The ICC and ECB place safety and security at the ICC Champions Trophy and ICC Women's World Cup this summer as the highest priority

'We operate on advice from our Tournament Security Directorate – in conjunction with the ECB and relevant authorities – to ensure that we have a robust safety and security plan for both tournaments. We will continue to work with authorities over the coming hours and days and review our security in line with the threat levels. 

A help centre has been opened at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium for those affected by Monday night's attack

The Football Association have confirmed that security will be tightened for this weekend's FA Cup final and play-off finals

'The security situation has been very much front and centre of our preparations and we constantly review our procedures to guarantee they are as effective as possible to keep everyone safe.

'We do not disclose our security details as a matter of policy.' 

Wimbledon also issued a statement in the aftermath of the incident at the Manchester Arena, saying 'the safety and security of all our visitors is paramount'.

The tennis Grand Slam tournament is due to begin at the south-west London venue on July 3 and will run for 13 days.

The rest of the statement read: 'Throughout the year we work closely with the Metropolitan Police and other relevant organisations to ensure that The Championships are as secure as possible and that our plans are commensurate with the threat level in London.

'We will take any appropriate measures to ensure the safety of the whole Championships.'  

MANCHESTER CITY MANAGER PEP GUARDIOLA'S FAMILY CAUGHT UP IN TERROR ATTACK

Pep Guardiola tweeted his response to the Manchester attack

Pep Guardiola's wife Cristina Serra and two of their three daughters were caught up in the terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena that left 22 people dead and 119 injured.

The family of the Manchester City manager escaped from the atrocity unhurt, according to reports in Spain. It's understood that the family members of some City players were also at the Ariana Grande concert on Monday night and were unharmed.

A message on Guardiola's official Twitter account said: 'Shocked. Can't believe what happened last night. My deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims. #Ilovemanchester'

City have set up a support centre at the Etihad Stadium to help anyone affected by the attack following discussions with Greater Manchester Police in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Food, drinks, blankets and phone chargers are among the services on offer to members of the public in the Chairman's Club.

City released a statement that read: 'The thoughts and prayers of our ownership, Board and everyone at Manchester City are with the people of Manchester and all those affected following the horrifying events of last night's Manchester Arena attack.

'We have offered our full support throughout the night and this morning to the leaders of the City of Manchester itself and to the Emergency Services who are doing so much to support our city in these most challenging of circumstances.

'The Etihad Stadium is being used as a support centre following the tragic events and Greater Manchester Police have advised that anyone needing assistance relating to the attack can access that help at the Etihad Stadium via Gate 11.'

CHRIS WHEELER  

Advertisement