After this week’s harrowing events in Manchester, this Europa League final preview means there is little focus given to the events on the field in Stockholm.
The tragic incident at the Manchester Arena has unsurprisingly cast a major shadow over the build-up to Wednesday’s clash between United and Ajax.
Prior to training, the Red Devils observed a minute of silence, Jose Mourinho declined to make any statements in his pre-match press conference as a mark of respect, while UEFA have been forced to issue several communications to insist that safety isn’t a concern in Sweden.
“We are not aware of any threat of terrorism to the final,” said a UEFA statement. “We would like to send our condolences to the family and friends of all of those killed in the Manchester Arena attack.
“Our thoughts are with the victims and all of those concerned.”
In one of the European game’s two major finals, football has become secondary and the game will start with a minute of silence.
“The victims will be in our hearts,” said Mourinho, via a statement issued by the club.
The competition, reviled by United in September, has become the club’s only passage to the Champions League for next season.
With some defensive concerns and no Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Red Devils task has been made a little harder but of course, even if United do go on to lift the trophy, there will be no partying on the streets of Manchester.
For their part, Ajax, who lost out on the Eredivisie title to Feyenoord on the final weekend of the season, will not be overawed by the occasion.
“I know my players are very young but we will have our chance to win the title if we can raise our game,” said Peter Bosz.
It is a final that will be paid in homage and tribute to Manchester. As always, football will look to distract.
