Manchester United closes Old Trafford in response to the Manchester Arena terrorist incident
- Manchester United have closed their stadium tour and other facilities
- The football club’s manager, José Mourinho, says that the “people of Manchester will pull together as one”
Old Trafford’s stadium tour and other facilities have been closed from the public today after the terrorist attack on the Manchester Arena, Manchester United have confirmed.
In a statement issued on their website, the football club revealed that their stadium tours, the megastore, the museum and the Red Café will not be open.
Manchester United said it was “deeply shocked” by the events that took place at the Manchester Arena.
The club said: “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.”
The terrorist incident, which took place last night at the end of a concert by U.S. singer Ariana Grande, claimed the lives of 22 people and left 59 injured.
Georgina Callendar, 18, was named as the first victim of the terrorist incident, while eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos was confirmed as the second casualty.
Manchester United manager José Mourinho expressed his deepest condolence to those affected by the incident.
He said: “We’re all very sad about the tragic events last night; we can’t take out of our minds & hearts the victims & their families.
“We have a job to do & 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.”
Manchester United shared a photo on their Twitter account of players paying tribute to the victims of the attack, which was captioned with “#WeStandTogether”.
Manchester United footballers have also been tweeting about the incident, including captain Wayne Rooney, David De Gea and Daley Blind.
For the latest news on the Manchester terrorist incident, follow the Northern Quota’s live blog.