Man Utd and Manchester City pay respect to victims of bomb attack

Manchester's two football clubs have united in the wake of the terrorist atrocity which claimed the lives of 22 people on Monday night.

Both Manchester United and Manchester City, as well as a number of prominent players at the two clubs, have expressed their condolences to the family and friends of the victims, some of whom were young children.

An explosion in the foyer of the Manchester Arena at 10.33pm caused panic inside the 21,000-capacity venue, where American pop singer Ariana Grande had just completed her concert.

Police have said at least 59 people are being treated for injuries at eight hospitals across the north-west city, while a help centre has been opened up at City's Etihad Stadium for those affected by the blast.

Club flags at Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium are being flown at half mast, the United megastore and stadium tours are closed on Tuesday, while each responded with short statements on social media.

United posted on their official Twitter account: 'We are deeply shocked by last night's terrible events at the Manchester Arena. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected.'

City's account posted: 'It's with great sadness we hear of the terrible events at the Arena. Our hearts go out to all affected and to our city's emergency services.'

Later on Tuesday, the clubs released longer statement, in which they praised the work of first responders.

Part of the statement read: '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.' 

United are travelling to Stockholm, where they are due to face Ajax in the Europa League final on Wednesday night, and will consider how to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives.

The club will take part in a routine meeting with UEFA on Tuesday morning, in which they are expected to ask if they can wear black armbands at the final.  

European football's governing body have confirmed that the game will still take place. Officers from Manchester in the Swedish capital are liaising with authorities at home.

United's players had their cars searched as they arrived at their Carrington training ground on Tuesday. 

Their Dutch opponents have sent their own message of support. A brief statement from Ajax read: 'From Amsterdam with love to Manchester. Our thoughts are with the victims and the loved ones of those affected.'

Security at the final will be tight but UEFA moved to reassure the match-going public in the wake of the incident in Manchester. 

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.' 

Tributes came pouring in from all corners of the football world on Tuesday as the UK woke up to the news of the horrendous event. 

Vincent Kompany, the City captain, wrote: 'I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims. It's a sad day for the great city of Manchester. #Unity'.

United striker Marcus Rashford - born and raised in Manchester and a product of the club's youth academy - posted a picture of his home city on his Twitter page, while team-mate Jesse Lingard wrote: 'My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by last nights attack on this beautiful city. We will stand together in this dark hour'.

Another member of the Red Devils squad, Ashley Young, wrote: 'Absolutely shocked to hear the news this morning. Thoughts with all that lost loved ones & prayers for those being treated in hospitals'.

Real Madrid star Gareth Bale called the news 'truly awful to wake up to', while former England captain, and United legend, David Beckham took to Instagram to express his 'heartbreak' at events in Manchester.

'Heartbreaking news from Manchester,' he wrote. 'As a father & a human what has happened truly saddens me. My thoughts are with all of those that have been affected by this tragedy.'

His former Old Trafford team-mate Rio Ferdinand posted: 'My thoughts & prayers are with all the families & friends affected by last nights attack in Manchester! #StandTogether'.

City winger Raheem Sterling wrote: 'Shocking events for this great city. My thoughts and prayers are with the families.' 

Pictures of fathers carrying their children away from the blast site have emerged in the hours since the attack.

United striker Wayne Rooney, himself a dad of three, expressed his anguish at the scenes.

He wrote on Twitter: 'Devastating news this morning. Thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.'

Joey Barton, the Burnley midfielder once on the books of the Blues, slated the 'cowardice' of the attacker, whom please say died after detonating an improvised explosive device.

Barton posted on Twitter: 'My thoughts are with all those families affected in Manchester. Despicable cowardice again, demonstrated by the targeting of innocents.'  

Match of the Day presenter and former England striker Gary Lineker echoed Barton's comments.

He wrote: 'To target children at a concert is beyond comprehension. Beyond lunacy. Beyond evil. Heart goes out to all those who've lost loved ones.' 

Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti posted a picture of a heart, writing: 'My thoughts are with the victims and my sympathy is with the families... What a horrible attack on what were mainly children... #manchester'. 

Former City winger Denis Suarez, now at Barcelona, posted a Union flag along with the words: 'How horrible... All my love for the victims and families. My heart is in Manchester'.

Meanwhile, England Under 20s will wear black armbands in their World Cup clash with Guinea in Joenju, South Korea on Tuesday morning as a mark of respect to the victims of the horrific attack.

The official England Twitter account posted: 'Our #YoungLions will remember the victims of the attack in Manchester when we take on Guinea at the #U20WC this morning.' 

Emergency numbers have been established for anyone who is concerned for their loved ones who may not have returned home, these numbers are 0161 856 9400 or 0161 856 9900.  

Credit:Daily Mail