David Beckham left ‘heartbroken’ as Manchester United legend makes touching tribute to the victims of Manchester terror attack that left 22 dead
MANCHESTER UNITED legend David Beckham says he has been left “heartbroken” in a touching tribute to the victims of Monday night’s Manchester terror attack.
At least 22 people including children have died after a suicide bomber targeted an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena.
Another 59 concert-goers were injured in the sickening blast – described as the “the most horrific incident" the city has ever faced.
Follow all the latest news from the Manchester terror attack in the Sun's live blog
And Beckham, 42, took to Instagram to pay his condolences as he led a show of online defiance from the Red Devils’ former stars.
The former England captain wrote: “Heartbreaking news from Manchester. As a father and a human what happened truly saddens me.
“My thoughts are with all of those who have been affected by this tragedy.”
Beckham’s Class of 92 member Phil Neville Tweeted a picture of Manchester cityscape with the words: “We will not be defeated, we will stand strong, we are Manchester.”
And a number of former Old Trafford team-mates also paid their respects to the dead.
Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo posted a picture of a Union Jack with "'Manchester" written across it.
Ex-goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel wrote: “My thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones in the attack at Manchester Arena. #StayStrongManchester.”
Defender Rio Ferdinand said: “My thoughts and prayers are with all the families and friends affected by last night's attack in Manchester.”
Old Trafford's longest serving skipper Bryan Robson wrote: “Such sad news what has happened in Manchester.”
Ruud van Nistelrooy, 40, shared an image with the caption: “We will not be defeated. We will stand strong. We are Manchester.”
And Mikael Silvestre, who spent nine years with United, posted: “Devastating news in Manchester. My thoughts and prayers with all families involved.”
Former icon Edwin van der Sar also wrote: “My heart and respect goes out to the people who lost their lives or loved ones in yesterday's attack in Manchester.”
Skipper Wayne Rooney led United’s current stars in remembering the victims of the attack.
The club’s all-time leading scorer Tweeted: “Devastating news this morning. Thoughts and prayers with all those affected.”
Marcus Rashford, 19, who grew up in the city, shared a photo of Manchester Town Hall with a praying emoji and a love heart.
Winger Jesse Lingard, 24, shared the same image and wrote: “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by last night's attack on this beautiful city. We will stand together in this dark hour.”
Long-serving midfielder Michael Carrick said: “My thoughts and prayers go out to all those effected by the sickening attack that happened here in Manchester last night.”
And Henrikh Mkhitaryan wrote: "Stay strong Manchester! My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by last night's horrible attack."
The attack cast a dark shadow over the club's Europa League final showdown with Ajax tomorrow night.
United will today as Uefa’s permission to wear black armbands during the game in Stockholm.
The club’s official Twitter account posted to its 11.2million followers: “We are deeply shocked by last night’s terrible events at the Manchester Arena. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected.”
And a club statement said: "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."
Their Dutch rivals posted: “From Amsterdam with love to Manchester. Our thoughts are with the victims and the loved ones of those affected.”
Uefa Tweeted: “UEFA is shocked by last night's attack in Manchester. Our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those affected.”
And the organisation confirmed the final will go ahead, but with “increased security in wake of Manchester attack”.
A statement said: “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 fir many months and the terrorist risk had been taken into account since the very beginning of the project.
“Due to the tight security arrangements, Uefa urges fans to arrive at the stadium as early as possible, as detailed checks will be made at the entrances, resulting in potential delays in accessing the stadium.”