Manchester United Were 'Shocked' by Old Trafford Bomb Scare, Says Juan Mata

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata said the squad were left "absolutely shocked" after a false bomb was discovered at Old Trafford on Sunday, causing the Premier League clash against Bournemouth to be abandoned.

The Spain international posted a new blog entry via KICCA in light of the developments (h/t club's official website):

"

This is one of the weirdest blog entries I've written, and it's been almost four years since I started this blog. What happened in Old Trafford this Sunday left all of us who were there absolutely shocked. You know, the game being postponed (we will finally play on Tuesday) after a suspect package - that we were told could be an explosive - was found in the stadium. 

Everybody in the security team did an effective job, resulting in a quick evacuation of the stadium. It helped not to spread panic around, although all of us had a very odd feeling; something like strain mixed with a lack of understanding. The fans left the stadium before we did; I think we left Old Trafford at around five, with the feeling that everything was already under control.

"

BBC Sport reported the "suspect package" that caused the alarm was actually a dummy left behind by a private firm following a training exercise. This prompted Greater Manchester Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd to dub the incident a "fiasco."

Mata was among that number, and the 28-year-old went on to further detail his belief sport "has the capability to unite people," adding he felt "sorry" for the fans.

United's Premier League season closer against Bournemouth has been rescheduled for Tuesday evening, per BBC Sport's report, throwing another spanner in the works of manager Louis van Gaal before Saturday's trip to Wembley Stadium for the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace.

Embarrassing though Sunday's blunder was, OptaJoe's Ryan Keaney pointed out the real positive in the matter, that it was no more than a false bomb discovered in the end:

Mata and his United team-mates endured a drama that, at the time, will have felt like a life-threatening experience, but the Red Devils must maintain focus for two final fixtures in the space of five days.

The Telegraph's James Ducker reported on Monday that steps are being taken to avoid such errors in future, with the firm responsible for the gaffe "likely to be dumped" by United.

James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images

The Sun's Geoff Sweet also reported United would refund fans for Sunday's wasted trip and allow those who had tickets free entry for Tuesday's rearranged tie.