The streets of Manchester could witness a repeat of May 2011 with United and City parading the league and FA Cup trophies next month.

But Reds fans have some way to go to outnumber their Blues rivals this time around, according to new figures obtained by the M.E.N.

After the two 2011 parades, police estimated that the FA Cup parade by City attracted five times more fans than United’s title open-top bus procession.

Officers reported at the time that more than 60,000 turned out to see Roberto Mancini’s men show off their first major trophy in 35 years.

But a police debriefing after United paraded their 19th league trophy six days later estimated that only around 12,000 supporters lined the streets.

Supporters have long argued over who has the most followers in Manchester and the parade report would appear to point to the Blues having the upper hand.

But miserable weather for United’s big day combined with City’s long wait for silverware will have both impacted heavily upon crowd numbers for each event.

City also boosted their turnout by staging an extra event inside the Etihad stadium attended by 30,000 fans.

The figure for the United procession was obtained from Greater Manchester Police after a request under the Freedom of Information Act.

The report into the Reds’ parade also reveals that a gang of suspected hooligans were intercepted by a tactical aid unit and that the force’s helicopter failed and was unable to assist officers from the skies.

The operation for United’s parade was named Govan by officers, presumably after the legendary Reds manager’s Scotland home town.

It estimates 12,000 were present on the route, which stretched from Deansgate to Old Trafford but adds that the fact the event took place in the morning in pouring rain will have made a difference.

Another factor was United’s Champions League final defeat to Barcelona two days before.

The report also reveals that the bus used to ferry the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney was ‘elderly’ and that a new one should be provided for future parades.

Under ‘Issues to take forward’ it adds that the club should be warned of risks such as low branches should they take part in another tour and concludes ‘get a helicopter that works!’

The operation around City’s event was codenamed Gallant.

It does not contain an overall figure for the crowd but officers at the time estimated 30,000-40,000 were on the route from the town hall to the Etihad with an extra 30,000 inside the stadium for a free celebration evening.

The document adds that there was no trouble but points out that some officers were spotted watching the bus carrying Carlos Tevez and co rather than the crowds they were there to police.

Yesterday, the M.E.N. revealed United will be parading their 20th league trophy on May 13 – two days after the FA Cup final.

If favourites City defeat Wigan in the final at Wembley, they are expected to discuss staging a parade with council officials.