Old Trafford evacuation: Premier League say too early to decide on new date for Manchester United vs AFC Bournemouth

The Premier League has said it will rearrange today's abandoned Manchester United/Bournemouth game "as soon as is practically possible".

The clash at Old Trafford - which United had needed to win in the hope Manchester City would slip up to allow them to qualify for next season's Champions League - was abandoned 15 minutes before kick-off after a suspect package was discovered.

Rearranging the fixture could prove a headache for football authorities and Manchester United.

All of the final Premier League fixtures were scheduled for 3pm kick-offs today so that all outstanding placings - and European qualification - would be settled at the same time.

As well as disrupting the completion of the league, Manchester United have the not-insiginificant matter of an FA Cup final against Crystal Palace next Saturday.

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."

The issue of delaying who had qualified for the Champions League did not eventuate as Manchester City earned the point they needed to secure fourth place with a 1-1 draw at Swansea. United can still draw level on points but would need to win by 19 goals against Bournemouth to take that fourth spot on goal difference.