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Mike Egerton
post season

Man United v Bournemouth rescheduled for Tuesday evening after 'bomb scare'

The postponement complicates United’s FA Cup final preparations slightly.

Updated 21.10

THE PREMIER LEAGUE have rearranged the abandoned Manchester United v Bournemouth fixture for 8pm this Tuesday, 17 May.

Sections of Old Trafford were evacuated before this afternoon’s scheduled 3pm kick-off after a ‘suspect package,’ later discovered to be the target of a training exercise, was discovered in the north-west corner of the stadium.

The season-ending match was marked abandoned as security and the army bomb disposal unit were called in to deal with the incident and the ground was completely cleared.

“When it comes to matters of security is it obviously right that Manchester United and the Premier League place the safety of supporters and employees foremost,” said an early Premier League statement.

“It is always the last resort to abandon one of our fixtures and while we apologise for the inconvenience caused to fans we are sure, in the circumstances, they will appreciate the need to do so.”

The postponement of today’s game means Manchester United will have only three days to prepare for next Saturday’s FA Cup Final against Crystal Palace. However, with a mountainous goal-difference all but assuring Manchester City of fourth place, Louis van Gaal’s men can only realistically hope to rise from sixth to fifth place in the final Premier League table.

“We would like to thank Manchester United’s staff, the police and other emergency services for all their efforts today as well as rearranging the match for this coming Tuesday,” the Premier League added this evening.

“Both Manchester ‎United and AFC Bournemouth’s management has been extremely helpful in reaching a swift resolution, which is the best possible given today’s events.

The clubs will make their own announcements regarding ticketing arrangements.”

Originally published 16.20

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Man United’s final game of season abandoned after ‘suspect package’ found at Old Trafford

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