Suspected bomb at Old Trafford was training device left behind after security exercise

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that the suspicious device which resulted in the evacuation of Old Trafford, a controlled explosion by bomb disposal experts and ultimately, the cancellation of United's season finale against Bournemouth on Sunday, wasn't a bomb, and was the result of an avoidable error.

Related: Manchester United vs. Bournemouth rescheduled for Tuesday after bomb scare

Shortly before scheduled kick-off at the iconic ground, police were informed of a suspicious package found inside the toilet located in the northwest quadrant, between the between the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand and the Stretford End.

The stadium was evacuated, sniffer dogs scoured the ground for other potentially harmful devices, and a controlled explosion executed by a local bomb unit called in to handle the package.

After police confirmed that the device in question was "not a viable" explosive, further investigation into the incident brought with it confirmation that the whole ordeal was the result of a mistake by a security firm.

"Following today’s controlled explosion, we have since found out that the item was a training device which had accidentally been left by a private company following a training exercise involving explosive search dogs," Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable John O’Hare said in a statement published on United's website.

"Whilst this item did not turn out to be a viable explosive, on appearance this device was as real as could be, and the decision to evacuate the stadium was the right thing to do, until we could be sure that people were not at risk.

"Everyone remained calm, followed instructions, and worked with officers and stewards to ensure that a safe evacuation was quickly completed. Those present today were a credit to the football family and their actions should be recognised."

The firm in question left the device behind after an exercise involving sniffer dogs earlier in the week.

Manchester United vice chairman Ed Woodward expressed his appreciation for the work done by security officials in handling the matter, and vowed to investigate further.

"I'd like to thank the support from the police which was first class and the impeccable response from fans of both teams. The Club takes security very seriously and staff are regularly trained with the police and emergency services to identify and deal with these incidents," Woodward said.

"We will investigate the incident to inform future actions and decisions."

Related - Bomb disposal unit: Lifelike explosive device at Old Trafford 'wasn't viable'

United will refund ticket holders, a move that could cost the club roughly £3 million, according to Simon Stone of the BBC.

The match, which has little implication on the Premier League table barring a 19-goal outburst by the Red Devils, has since been rescheduled for Tuesday.