Man United and Man City pay respects to victims of Manchester bombing

Rivals on the football pitch, Manchester United and Manchester City were united in paying respect to those affected by last night’s bombing following Ariana Grande‘s concert in their home city.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Man United players and staff, including captain Wayne Rooney, held a minute of silence prior to practice.

We are deeply shocked by last night's terrible events at the Manchester Arena. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected.

A post shared by Manchester United (@manchesterunited) on May 22, 2017 at 11:48pm PDT

The team issued an official statement on the Manchester Arena attack:

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.

Players, past and present, took to social media to express their sorrow:

Heartbreaking news from Manchester. As a father & a human what has happened truly saddens me. My thoughts are with all of those that have been affected by this tragedy…

A post shared by David Beckham (@davidbeckham) on May 23, 2017 at 12:20am PDT

My condolences to all families of the victims in Manchester and to all families who are losing loved ones in so many countries due to acts of violence. @manchesterunited #MUFC

A post shared by Paul Labile Pogba (@paulpogba) on May 23, 2017 at 2:17am PDT

Devastating news this morning. Thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.

— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) May 23, 2017

Stay strong Manchester! My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by last night's horrible attack.

— Henrikh Mkhitaryan (@HenrikhMkh) May 23, 2017

Much rage, much pain! My condolences and support to the victims' family member involved in the atrocious attack to the heart of the city. pic.twitter.com/hV4JsvV4cQ

— David De Gea (@D_DeGea) May 23, 2017

All my thoughts and prayers go out to all those has been affected 🙏🏾

— Anthony Martial (@AnthonyMartial) May 23, 2017

🙏🏾♥️ pic.twitter.com/eXCjE4zyi4

— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) May 23, 2017

MANCHESTER CITY

Man City also was quick to release a statement on the attack:

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 of last night’s Manchester Arena attack.

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.

The Etihad Stadium is being used as a support centre following the tragic events and Greater Manchester Police have advised that anyone needing assistance relating to the attack can access that help at the Etihad Stadium via Gate 11.

Information about how to reach the Etihad Stadium can be found here.

GMP have issued an emergency number for those who are concerned about loved ones or anyone who may have been in the area. It is 0161 856 9400.

And the football club’s players chimed in:

Very saddened by the deaths at the Manchester Arena … My heartfelt condolences to the families of all the victims of this horrific attack. 🙌🏾🙏🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾🙌🏾😢 Muita tristeza com as mortes na Manchester Arena…Minhas sinceras condolências às famílias de todas as vítimas desse horrível ataque.

A post shared by Fernandinho (@fernandinho) on May 23, 2017 at 2:28am PDT

I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims. It's a sad day for the great city of Manchester. #Unity

— Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) May 22, 2017

Very saddened because of the tragedy. All my support / Consternado por la tragedia. Todo mi apoyo #Manchester #PrayForManchester pic.twitter.com/quqsH0ib18

— Jesús Navas (@JNavas) May 23, 2017

My prayers go out to everyone who was involved in last night's attack at #Manchester. 🙏🏾 #PrayForManchester pic.twitter.com/C2GJbbtkb5

— Leroy Sané (@LeroySane19) May 23, 2017

I've just landed on Buenos Aires and I was shocked to hear the news about Manchester. My thoughts are with you #PrayForManchester

— Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) May 23, 2017

Can't believe what's happening to this world.My thoughts are with all of those that have been affected by this tragedy #WeStandTogether pic.twitter.com/oV1hvg9lGj

— David Silva (@21LVA) May 23, 2017

Shocking events for this great city. My thoughts and prayers are with the families.

— Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) May 23, 2017

My deepest condolences to all the relatives of last night's attack. #bestrongmanchester #PrayForManchester

— Nicolas Otamendi (@Notamendi30) May 23, 2017

My thoughts go out to all those affected by this horrific tragedy. #prayformachester 🙏🏻

— Pablo Zabaleta (@pablo_zabaleta) May 23, 2017

FOOTBALL STARS REACTS

Condolences weren’t limited to Manchester’s football clubs, as soccer stars of all stripes joined in remembrance:

So sad to hear the news from Manchester. My thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims. #prayformanchester

A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) on May 23, 2017 at 2:26am PDT

Truly awful news to wake up too!! Thoughts are with all affected in Manchester 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/6HStCC7Pc0

— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) May 23, 2017