Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council today pledged to do everything possible to ensure a victory parade to celebrate the fantastic achievements of Manchester United Football Club.

Speaking at a meeting of the Council's influential Executive committee, he said:

"Winning the Champions League/Premier League double for the second time is a remarkable achievement and we want to congratulate the Club, manager and players on their superb performance.  Manchester United is one of the city's biggest international brands and the club's success is not only good for them and their supporters but is good for the city as a whole, presenting a positive image of Manchester across the world. 

 "Thousands of Manchester United supporters went to Moscow and they did their club and city proud acting as superb ambassadors for the city. We believe that they and all the other supporters who weren't able to be in Moscow deserve the opportunity to celebrate and share in the Club's triumph. That's why  Manchester City Council would positively encourage a victory parade as soon as practical and why we are happy to carry out our responsibilities in picking up our share of the organisation."