CHERRIES are offering fans with a valid away match ticket free travel to the rescheduled Premier League fixture with Manchester United.

The club’s gesture followed United’s announcement that all ticket holders for the Old Trafford clash, which was postponed due to a bomb scare on Sunday, would receive a full refund and a free ticket for the Premier League fixture.

But as speculation filtered through yesterday morning that United would not be covering travel costs for supporters, Cherries stepped in to aid those who had made the 500-mile round trip.

According to the club's website, fans have until 8pm tonight to take advantage of the offer. 

A statement on the website says: "Supporters with a valid match ticket will be eligible for free travel, and can call the ticket office on 0344 576 1910 (Option one, option one) to book their place on the coach.

"Coaches will leave Vitality Stadium at 12pm and bookings cease at 8pm on Monday 16th May. Places on the coach are subject to availability, and must be booked in advance."

With the stadium filling up for the final day, a fake device, later confirmed by Greater Manchester Police as an object left behind by a private firm after a security training exercise, was discovered at Old Trafford.

That led to the ground being evacuated and bomb disposal experts conducting a controlled explosion in the corner joining the Stretford End and the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand.

The blunder attracted vehement criticism from many quarters, including Greater Manchester’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd who called for an inquiry into the “fiasco”.

Meanwhile, Cherries chairman Jeff Mostyn publicly thanked the club’s supporters and their hosts for how the situation was dealt with.

In a statement on the club’s official website, Mostyn said: “Our thanks must go to Manchester United and Greater Manchester Police for their handling of the security alert at Old Trafford.

"Particular thanks must go to Manchester United’s staff, who were exemplary in making AFC Bournemouth players, management and officials feel as comfortable as possible throughout the incident.

"Thank you as well to our supporters who made the trip and co-operated fully under difficult circumstances. We hope everyone had a safe journey home.”