Mourinho: ‘Very sad’ United have a job to do

Ian Watson

Jose Mourinho has spoken in the wake of the terrorist attack at Manchester Arena, saying he expects the people of the city to “pull together as one”.

The Manchester United manager issued a statement after the club’s press conference ahead of the Europa League final was cancelled following the attack on Monday night that killed 22 people and injured 59 more.

The United players paused for a moment’s silence before training this morning ahead of their flight to Stockholm later on.

Mourinho won’t face the media as scheduled, but via a statement, the manager says United will travel with a heavy heart to carry out their “job” in the final against Ajax.

“We are all very sad about the tragic events last night; we cannot take out of our minds and our hearts the victims and their families,” Mourinho said.

“We have a job to do and we will fly to Sweden to do that job. It is a pity we cannot fly with the happiness that 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.”

United’s executive vice chairman Ed Woodward emailed club staff on Tuesday.