• ‘We can’t take out of our minds and hearts the victims and their families’ • Uefa says no intelligence on possible attack at Europa League final

José Mourinho has expressed his sadness over the bombing at the Manchester Arena, saying he and Manchester United have the victims and their families in “our minds and hearts” as they prepare for the Europa League final against Ajax on Wednesday night.

Twenty-two people are known to have died and at least 59 were injured. The attack occurred on Monday evening in the foyer of the venue following an Ariana Grande concert which was attended by a large number of children and parents.

The club cancelled their pre-final press conference at the Friends Arena as a mark of respect and Mourinho offered his condolences before the squad flew to the Swedish capital.

“We’re all very sad about the tragic events,” the United manager said. “We can’t take out of our minds and hearts the victims and their families. I know, even during my short time here, that the people of Manchester will pull together as one. 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.”

United have also cancelled an event for staff to watch the match on Wednesday at a Manchester warehouse for the same reason. In a letter written to them by Ed Woodward, the executive vice-chairman said: “Our thoughts go out to the victims and families affected. These senseless acts are designed to shake the confidence of people and to turn communities on each other. Members of our family of fans and our home community have been affected and we will be reaching out to provide the support of the club in what must be an unimaginably difficult time.”

The team held a minute’s silence at the club’s Carrington training base on Tuesday morning and many players offered messages of support. Wayne Rooney, the captain, said: “Devastating news this morning. Thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.” The midfielder Michael Carrick added: “My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the sickening attack that happened here in Manchester last night.”

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Earlier the club had issued a statement. “Everyone at Manchester United is deeply shocked,” it read. “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. Old Trafford’s Megastore, Museum, Red Cafe and Stadium Tour are all closed to the public today.”

The Ajax manager, Peter Bosz, said: “What happened yesterday evening in Manchester is something we all feel in Ajax and on behalf of us all we express our sympathies with the victims. The feeling that prevails is that the final does not have the glow it should have. Tomorrow should be a football feast but because of the events in Manchester, we are affected. It is horrible. My sympathies are heartfelt.”

The Etihad Stadium is being used as a support centre to assist those affected by the bombing. Manchester City said in a statement: “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.

“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.”

Bolton Wanderers paid tribute to Georgina Callander, the first named victim of the attack, who used to play for the club’s under-11 team. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family during this awful time of loss,” the club said. “Georgina and all will be remembered at our annual memorial service on Tuesday night. There will also be a minute’s silence before the first-team ladies’ friendly against Wigan Athletic at Macron Stadium, where the team will wear black armbands.”

Last month five people died in Stockholm when a hijacked truck was driven into crowds on a shopping street. Uefa, European football’s governing body, said there was no specific intelligence to suggest any of the Europa League final activities in the city 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,” it added.

“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.”

Uefa also confirmed that there would be a minute’s silence before the final and the opening ceremony “considerably reduced as a mark of respect for the victims of the Manchester attack”.

The Uefa president, Aleksander Ceferin, said: “I am deeply saddened by the horrible terrorist attack in Manchester. It shocks me so many innocent people lost their lives and I would like to send my condolences to the families of those affected.”

Scotland Yard has said extra armed police officers will be deployed at Wembley for Saturday’s FA Cup final between Arsenal and Chelsea, and Twickenham’s Premiership final between Wasps and Exeter.

A full review of the security and policing operations for the weekend’s sporting events is under way.

Wembley will also stage the League Two play-off final between Blackpool and Exeter on Sunday and the Championship play-off final between Huddersfield and Reading on Monday.

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A Football Association spokesman said: “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 at Wembley Stadium as early as possible for security checks and to avoid any delays in entering the stadium.”

Eric Cantona: ‘The English, that I love deeply. I suffer with you’

Former Manchester United striker Eric Cantona has recorded a message of support and solidarity for the victims of the terror attack in Manchester, saying “my heart is with you”.

Former France international Cantona, who retired from football at the age of 30 in 1997 after a hugely successful five-year spell at United, said his thoughts were with those affected.

“I think deeply to the victims, to the wounded persons, kids, teenagers, adults, to their families, to their friends, to all, all of you, all of us,” the 50-year-old on Eurosport UK’s Twitter feed. “I think to this city, Manchester, and Mancunians, that I love deeply. I think to this country, England, and the English, that I love deeply. I suffer with you, my heart is with you. I always feel close to you.”