STOCKHOLM: After a deadly bombing at a concert in Manchester, UEFA said Tuesday it has “no specific intelligence” that the Europa League final featuring Manchester United will be a target.

United play Ajax Amsterdam on Wednesday in Stockholm, and security was already intensified following a deadly truck attack in the Swedish capital last month.

“The terrorist risk had been taken into account since the very beginning of the project,” UEFA said, noting it has worked with Swedish authorities “for many months” to plan for the game.

“There is currently no specific intelligence which might suggest that any of the UEFA Europa League Final activities in Stockholm may be the target of attacks,” UEFA said in a statement.

Stockholm police spokesman Kjell Lindgren said there has been no threat to Wednesday’s match.

“Now, we are prepared for every possible and thinkable (thing) that could happen in Stockholm tomorrow, including terrorist attacks, and we are satisfied with our preparations,” Lindgren said.

“We have been in contact with our English as well as Dutch colleagues and they are helping us with information, they are visiting us tomorrow, and we are quite satisfied with how we are prepared and the information that we get.”

At least 22 people were killed when an apparent suicide bomber attacked an Ariana Grande concert as the performance ended on Monday in Manchester.

Manager Jose Mourinho led his players in a solemn minute’s silence on United’s Carrington training pitches west of Manchester city centre and said the club had been deeply affected by the tragedy.

“We’re all very sad about the tragic events last night; we can’t take out of our minds and hearts the victims and their families,” Mourinho said in quotes published on United’s Twitter account.

Mourinho’s scheduled news conference later in the day at the Friends Arena in Stockholm was canceled at the club’s request, UEFA said.

“We have a job to do and will fly to Sweden to do that job,” Mourinho added. “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.”

Announcing the decision to cancel their press conference, United said in a statement: “We are sure that, in the circumstances, you will all understand our position on this matter. Our thoughts are with the victims at this terribly difficult time.”

Ajax joined many in the football world expressing support for the victims.

“From Amsterdam with love to Manchester,” the Dutch team posted on its official Twitter account. “Our thoughts are with the victims and the loved ones of those affected.”

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2017