Manchester United shut down Old Trafford after terrorist attack at Ariana Grande concert saw 22 people killed
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OLD TRAFFORD has been shut down after last night's terrorist attack at an Ariana Grande concert.
Manchester United's famous 75,000-seater stadium has closed its doors to tours while the club megastore, cafe and museum are also shut after the attack that killed 22 concert-goers.
The club have also cancelled Jose Mourinho's pre-match press conference and Wayne Rooney has led a minute's silence at the Aon Training Complex.
United are due to face Ajax in the Europa League final tomorrow night in their final game of the season.
But Old Trafford is a huge attraction for Red Devils fans all year round and fans from all over the world love to visit the ground even when there is no match on, to visit the museum and have a stadium tour.
United had a huge security scare almost exactly a year ago when a suspicious package was found in the bowels of the stadium during the build-up to their Premier League game with Bournemouth.
The game was postponed and tens of thousands of fans had to be evacuated from Old Trafford.
The package later turned out to be an item from a security training exercise.
United officials are desperate to avoid any distractions for the first-team ahead of their huge final in Stockholm.
Borussia Dortmund were attacked earlier this season by an explosive device and their star Marc Bartra was forced out of the team with an injury to his hand ahead of the clash with AS Monaco.
Manchester United statement
EVERYONE at Manchester United is deeply shocked by last night’s terrible events at the Manchester Arena.
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.
Greater Manchester Police have provided an emergency number for those who are concerned about loved ones or anyone who may have been in the area. The number is 0161 856 9400.
The police are asking people to be alert and to report any suspicious activity on the Anti-Terrorist Hotline 0800 789321 or by dialling 999. Anyone who may have images or footage from last night that could aid the investigation should upload them to Ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk or Ukpoliceimageappeal.com.
People who wish to help by donating blood can do so at several medical centres in Manchester. For opening times and locations, see //my.blood.co.uk/SessionFinder or call 0300 123 23 23.
