http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereve...-trophies-from-cathedral-to-theatre-of-dreams
More than 150,000 could line the streets for Manchester United's victory parade - if the team wins the European Cup.
The Reds have announced details of their Bank Holiday Monday open-top bus tour, which will kick off at Manchester Cathedral and end at Stretford Mall.
Sir Alex Ferguson's men have already been crowned Premier League champions – but will be parading two trophies if they beat Barcelona in the Champions League final on Saturday.
Greater Manchester Police believe that if the Reds are crowned champions of Europe it could 'significantly increase' the numbers of those flocking to salute their heroes.
Around 100,000 are expected to paint the streets red and white - but that is expected to swell to 150,000 and beyond should United emerge victorious from Wembley.
A police source told the M.E.N.: "There were around 200,000 for the treble parade in 1999. We are planning for 100,000 but that could increase significantly depending on if they win at Wembley and how the weather is."
The parade will start from the cathedral at 10am before heading towards the Hilton hotel.
Barriers will be placed along Deansgate, which has an end-to-end capacity of 74,000.
The Reds will then head up Chester Road before turning on to Wharfside Way at the side of Salford Quays.
From there the bus will roll up Sir Matt Busby Way where it is expected to stop beneath the famous 'Holy Trinity' statue of George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton outside Old Trafford.
There, Sir Alex Ferguson is expected to address a crowd of around 20,000.
The bus will then head down Warwick Road towards the cricket ground before rolling past Trafford town hall.
It will end at Stretford Mall, where the club's international players will be whisked away in waiting cars to jet off and join their fellow countrymen ahead of the European Championship qualifiers.
The M.E.N. understands the Reds will take to the streets in a bus emblazoned with the number 19. That represents the number of times they have won the Premier League - taking them one clear of bitter rivals Liverpool to become the undisputed most successful club in domestic football.
We can also reveal there have been no dropouts from among the players.
A Reds source said the entire squad were keen to thank the fans for their support.
Mike Amesbury, Manchester council's executive member for culture and leisure, said he hoped United's fans could match the behaviour of their counterparts from across the city.
"The blue half of Manchester did us proud and I am sure the red half will do likewise,” said Coun Amesbury, a United fan. “Regardless of whether they win on Saturday, which obviously I hope they do, to win 19 titles is a phenomenal, historic achievement and it is right that we celebrate that."
Sean Anstee, a Trafford councillor, said the parade could be worth £500,000 to the region.
He explained: "If you estimate each person will be spending £5 at local businesses then that is a big boost.
"I am a City fan, so I say this through gritted teeth, but I hope United are parading two trophies.
We are privileged to have them in Trafford."
The parade will not include the Manchester town hall. I wish they would just be proud of where there are actually from and not always trying to cling on to the coat tails of Manchester!
