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Manchester United supporters to fund trip for fan from Sierra Leone

Old Trafford Evacuated
Image: Fans had to be evacuated from Old Trafford after a suspect package was found

A Manchester United fan from Sierra Leone, who missed out on watching his side for the first time due to Sunday's postponement, will have an extended trip funded by a supporters group.

The fan, known only as 'Moses', had travelled from Africa in order to watch United play Bournemouth at Old Trafford on the final day of the Premier League season.  

However, officials at the club were forced to postpone the match after what turned out to be an explosive training device was discovered in the stadium prior to kick-off, prompting a mass evacuation of the ground.

Moses had been invited to the match by friends at the Manchester United Supporters Trust, who have now offered to pay for a ticket for next Saturday's FA Cup final at Wembley and also a return flight back to Sierra Leona after the game.

A Bomb Disposal vehicle outside of Old Trafford after the Manchester United v Bournemouth game was abandoned
Image: A Bomb Disposal vehicle outside of Old Trafford after the Manchester United v Bournemouth game was abandoned

"A friend of mine worked with Moses out in Sierra Leone and he said he should come over some time for a game," said Ian Stirling, vice chair of the supporters group.

"We were at the Manchester United Supporters Trust house having a few drinks before the game when news came out there was a suspect package and the game would be delayed until 3.45pm.

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The game between Manchester United and Bournemouth has been abandoned after the discovery of a suspect package in the North West Quadrant at Old Trafford.

"That was unusual but no real concern, but then when we heard the game was abandoned we had to tell Moses and the poor lad was distraught - being so close to the ground and not being able to go in, not knowing when he might get this chance again.

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"We had a quick discussion between us and we've agreed to rearrange his flight - so he'll fly home next week instead of tomorrow - and sort him out with a ticket for the FA Cup final. A couple of friends will put him up in Manchester as well.

A police sniffer dog at Old Trafford after the match was called off
Image: A police sniffer dog at Old Trafford after the match was called off

"He's still distraught at not getting into Old Trafford - that was his dream - but we're trying to do the right thing for a friend."

United's match against Bournemouth has now been rescheduled for Tuesday May 17 with an 8pm kick-off.

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