Manchester United match abandoned after suspect package found at Old Trafford

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Sports Editor

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Manchester United's final match of the Premier League season has been abandoned without kicking off after a suspect package was found at Old Trafford.

United had been due to play Bournemouth in a fixture that has a major bearing on whether they or neighbours and rivals Manchester City qualify for next season's Champions League.

The Premier League said abandoning the game had been "a last resort" and said it would try to rearrange it "as soon as is practically possible".

"Due to the discovery of a suspect package in the NW Quadrant of the ground, the match has been abandoned today on police advice," United said on Twitter.

The Premier League said: "The decision to abandon the Manchester Uniter versus Bournemouth match was taken after the police advised of the necessity to deal with a suspect package.

"When it comes to matters of security it is obviously right that Manchester United and the Premier League place the safety of supporters and employees foremost.

"The Premier League will seek to rearrange the fixture as soon as is practically possible and will advise fans accordingly. 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."

Initially just two of the four stands were evacuated – and the kick-off delayed – but supporters in the rest of the ground were urged to stay in their seats.

However approximately 10 minutes after the match had been due to start it was announced that the game had been called off altogether.

No decision has been made yet on when it will be played.

United needed to beat Bournemouth and hope that City lost at Swansea in order to overtake them and finish fourth. 

All nine other matches due to be played in the Premier League simultaneously kicked off as usual.