A CAMPAIGN for a street parade this week for Manchester United looked doomed to failure as police refused to budge on "public safety" concerns.

A top-level meeting between council officials and police was held this morning to discuss whether a parade - expected to attract more than 500,000 - could be held in the city on Thursday.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester council, and Susan Williams, leader of Trafford council, had both said last night their authorities were prepared to support a parade.

But the M.E.N. has learned police have said they will not be changing their position despite heavy campaigning from outraged United fans.

While police cannot formally veto a parade - and would have to do their best if one was forced on them by the councils - it is inconceivable the authorities would go ahead without at least tacit police support.

Assistant chief constable Dave Thompson said last night: "GMP's primary concern is the safety of the people of Greater Manchester and the fans of the club.

"It is right and fitting that Manchester United's fans should have the chance to celebrate the club's success this year in the event of a win on Wednesday, but they should do this in safety.

"The last major homecoming event was in 1999 where there were serious safety issues raised regarding the risks of crowd crush. Manchester United is the biggest football club in the world and we believe any event would attract more people than in 1999.

"We have agreed to work towards an event in the summer where those celebrations could take place in safety. We remain committed to work with partners towards a suitable and safe celebration for all fans."

The M.E.N. understands that council chiefs and sources at the club did want to arrange a parade this week after United's clash with Chelsea in the Champions League final in Moscow.

If the Reds win, they will secure a historic league and European double - their greatest achievement since the treble in 1999.

A parade is still planned to take place in the summer.

Police sources have indicated that they had serious concerns about the safety of the estimated 500,000 people who lined the streets of Manchester for a parade in 1999.

They also point to the problems experienced during the Uefa cup final in Manchester last week, when a minority of the estimated 200,000 Glasgow Rangers fans who invaded the city clashed violently with police.

United fans say it is not fair they should be punished for the behaviour of Scottish fans who had been allowed to drink on the streets from the early hours of the morning to kick-off in the evening.

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