Manchester has been rocked this week by the atrocious terror attack in the city which claimed the lives of 22 people and injured many others, with a large amount of the victims being children under the age of 18.

The shocking events have sent shockwaves through the country and football has also been affected, with Manchester United’s preparations for tonight’s Europa League final showdown with Ajax taking a huge hit in the past 48 hours.

Understandably, Manchester United cancelled their pre-match press conference last night and issued a statement where they spoke about the impact the events have had on their squad, with the players, staff and manager all affected.

In these situations, football takes a back seat but Manchester United will have to pull together this evening as they seek Europa League glory- and they’re likely to be rooted for by a lot more people, as European success could unite the city further.

Should Manchester United win, you can expect their victory to be dedicated to those affected by the awful events that tore through the city on Monday evening- but it will be difficult for the Red Devils to focus on 90 minutes of football amidst all the emotions that have been laid bare.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time football has been affected by such incidents as terror attacks in France and Dortmund in recent years spring to mind, the latter of which was this season ahead of a Champions League tie with Monaco- which was then postponed to play the next day.

Following those events, France’s national side understandably looked sub-par in an international clash with England, where they lost 2-0, whilst the same can be said for Borussia Dortmund this season as they looked a shadow of their former selves.

Focusing on football at times like this certainly seems trivial, as it gives us all a reminder of what is truly important, but Manchester United have the chance to give something back to their loyal city this evening- and you can expect them to take it.

Hundreds of miles away in Stockholm, Manchester United will have been well aware of the tributes and vigils that took place across the country last night and winning the Europa League this evening would be a tremendous victory for the city as a whole.

Mourinho’s side will be tested by a capable Ajax outfit though and the challenges they will face have raised significantly in the wake of Monday’s incidents but by pulling together the Red Devils can emerge victorious, showing resilience in the face of disaster.