Old Trafford device 'left by mistake as part of training exercise'

The suspicious package that caused Old Trafford to be evacuated and Manchester United's Premier League clash with Bournemouth to be abandoned was reportedly left at the ground by mistake following a training exercise.

Kickoff was initially delayed by 45 minutes before being called off altogether after a mobile phone attached to wiring was discovered in the toilets at the stadium.

Bomb disposal experts carried out a controlled explosion on the device before later confirming that it was a hoax.

However, the latest reports now suggest that the device was accidentally left in the toilet after a training exercise from the week before.

The contest has since been rearranged for Tuesday, May 17, just four days before Manchester United will take on Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.