MANCHESTER UNITED’S Premier League match with Bournemouth on Sunday was cancelled after a suspected bomb was found in an Old Trafford toilet and an army bomb disposal team carried out a controlled explosion
The match was cancelled on advice from Greater Manchester Police after mobile device was found - reportedly strapped to a gas pipe - by stadium security staff.
Players were told to leave the pitch during the warm-up while their friends and family were told to leave the stadium.
The suspect package was reportedlly found in the North West corner of the stadium.
United players were escorted from the ground to their cars at around 4.35pm.
Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness said he and Thierry Henry was searched by security staff on their way into the stadium for the first time..
The Scot said: "For the first time today we were patted down, I can't remember that here.
"Unless they were given a tip off."
Sniffer dogs were sent in to patrol the stadium.
Manchester United players, including midfielder Michael Carrick, were seen looking concerned on the phone in the players' tunnel.
A United statement said: "Due to the discovery of a suspect package in the NW Quadrant of the ground, the match has been abandoned today on police advice.
"Those inside OT are asked to remain seated while the forecourt is cleared of fans already evacuated from the stadium.
"Further announcements will be made as soon as possible."
United midfielder Ander Herrera said: "We are still in the dressing room and it seems we'll be the last ones to leave the stadium.
"It's been very tense and we have all been nervous."
Around 3,000 Bournemouth fans had made the 250-mile journey north to Old Trafford.
SunSport's man on the scene, Neil Custis, said: "The security at Old Trafford has been upped since the Paris attacks last November.
"Everybody is patted down as they enter plus bags searched.
"Even staff are searched during the week every time they enter Old Trafford.
"Press are searched and screened with metal detectors ahead of Louis van Gaal media conferences at The Carrington Training Ground."
Ian Hopkins, the chief constable of Great Manchester Police, Tweeted: "The priority was get everyone out safely. Everyone knew the games abandoned & why from media."
Asst CC John O'Hare said: “We are awaiting the imminent arrival of military colleagues to establish what exactly we are dealing with."
At around 4.30pm, Hopkins revealed the army had arrived, saying: "Great response from military colleagues getting to Old Trafford quickly to make an assessment."
The bomb disposal unit arrived at Old Trafford after a device was allegedly found in a toilet.
A controlled explosion is now expected to take place.
The GMP said: "We are working closely with Manchester United to investigate a suspicious item at Old Trafford. There has been a controlled evacuation.
The Premier League said: "The decision to abandon the Manchester United versus AFC 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 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."
Four fire engines arrived at the stadium after the controlled explosion had taken place.
United captain Wayne Rooney's wife Coleen was inside the stadium before the evacuation.
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