The Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that the suspect package that led to Manchester United‘s home match against Bournemouth being suspended was a training device.
As per a statement released on the force’s homepage, the police confirm that the “suspicious item” has been identified as a ‘training device’.
Assistant Chief Constable John O’Hare confirmed that the “item was a training device which had accidentally been left by a private company following a training exercise involving explosive search dogs.”
The match was initially delayed, as police evacuated parts of the ground, it was later suspended and then finally, abandoned.
As yet, it’s not immediately clear when a rematch can take place, with United set to contest the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace next weekend, somewhat limiting the dates that are appropriate to organise the fixture.
With Manchester City having drawn with Swansea City, United would need a mammoth victory from the bout in order to seal qualification to the Champions League, although Bournemouth could move up two places with a victory.
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Southampton moved above United into fifth following their 4-1 triumph over Crystal Palace, although the Red Devils need just a draw to leapfrog the Saints back into the top five, and would clinch a Europa League spot anyway if they win the FA Cup final.