Manchester United went on to win the match against Ajax Amsterdam, 2-0.
As the city of Manchester heals following this week's devastating terror attack at a city arena following an Ariana Grande concert, the Manchester United soccer club held a moment of silence prior to Wednesday's game.
The squad, which played Ajax Amsterdam in the Europa League final in Stockholm, Sweden, all wore black armbands in solidarity with the victims and bowed their heads as they paused before the game.
As 50,000 fans looked on inside Sweden’s Friends Arena and millions watching on televisions around the globe, the Manchester players united as they quietly circled around the middle of the field.
In our hearts. pic.twitter.com/O97mhkLsUW
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 24, 2017
Prior to the match, their Dutch counterparts issued a statement on Twitter in solidarity with the people of Manchester.
“From Amsterdam with love to Manchester. Our thoughts are with the victims and the loved ones of those affected,” it said.
Security was stepped up inside the Friends Arena, as UEFA, the FIFA-sanctioned governing body of European soccer, issued a statement saying: “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 has been closely working with local authorities and the Swedish FA for many months and the terrorist risk had been taken into account since the very beginning of the project. Furthermore, a number of additional security measures were implemented following the attacks in Stockholm last April.”
Read: Manchester United: Royal Family, Celebrities Show Support for City After Attack
Manchester United won the match 2-0 and brought home the trophy to celebrate.
After the win, United's crosstown rivals, Manchester City, took to social media to stand in solidarity with the citizens of the town and celebrate their win.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 24, 2017
Following the game, United player Juan Mata said the club wanted to win the game for their city.
Juan Mata: "We wanted to win the trophy for the city of Manchester, and we're taking the trophy back." #UELfinal ? pic.twitter.com/iiY9BOWa3s
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 24, 2017
The team then took to Twitter to display a photo of the winning squad wearing their medals and holding a sign that read: “Manchester – A City United.”
For Manchester. pic.twitter.com/UgWP5eLQyi
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 24, 2017
Their win comes on the heels of fellow British team, Chelsea, which recently won the Barclays Premier League championship, to cancel their victory parade in London Sunday.
The West London club organized the celebration to mark their victory, but decided scratch it following the Manchester attack.
“Everyone associated with Chelsea Football Club offers our heartfelt condolences to those affected by Monday's attack in Manchester. Our thoughts go out to all the victims and their families and friends,” the club said in a statement on their website.
Watch: From the Ariana Grande Superfan to a Hero Aunt, More Details Emerge About Manchester Victims
