Extra security for Man United at Europa League final

Players hold a minute’s silence and cancel
press conference before heading to Stockholm to face Ajax

One-Minute Read

The United squad has flown to Sweden but the club has cancelled
a press conference there on Tuesday in the wake of the attack. Like
their neighbours Manchester City, the club has issued a statement expressing shock, sorrow and
sympathy after the attack.

The players, who gathered at the club’s training complex on
Tuesday, held a minute’s silence. Added security measures were in
evidence.

“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,”
reports the Daily Mail.

Flags at Old Trafford were flying at half mast on Tuesday, says
The Sun, which adds that United have
requested permission to wear black armbands tomorrow night.

“Anti-terror cops have now thrown an impenetrable ring of steel
around United’s clash at the Friends Arena in Sweden amid
heightened fears of an attack,” adds the paper, which says “Jose
Mourinho’s stars are being protected around the clock by gun cops”
ahead of the match.

Despite the decision to play the final, “football will not be on
the minds of all those making the trip over the next 48 hours”,
says Chris Bascombe of the Daily Telegraph.

But he adds: “Uefa has attempted to reassure club officials and
fans that extra measures are in place in the wake of all recent
incidents. Last month, central Stockholm was targeted when a
hijacked truck was deliberately driven into shoppers in a crowded
city centre street. Five died and 15 were injured.”

Despite the atrocities in Manchester and Stockholm, Uefa says
there is “no specific intelligence” relating to the Europa League
final or the Champions League finale in Cardiff on 3 June.

With two major finals in the space of 11 days, security has been
at the forefront of Uefa’s planning, says the Daily Mirror.

“They have been liaising with Swedish police ahead of the match
in Stockholm for a number of months, increasing their detail
following the Stockholm terror attack.”

Fans have also been urged to arrive early at the stadium to get
through security checks before the game begins.