Parade day at Old Trafford

Monday 13 May
21:00 That's all for this special trophy-parade edition of Today at Old Trafford, so thanks for following the events here and via our live video stream courtesy of MUTV. It's been another amazing day in Manchester, and I hope we've helped you, wherever you are in the world, to share in the atmosphere and emotions on the city's streets. Over and out for now... (AB)

20:49 Paul Scholes believes this epic trophy parade has provided the perfect send-off for fellow retiree Sir Alex, who he believes was the star attraction today. Also, when asked if such glorious scenes might change his mind about retirement, the Reds legend was typically blunt in his response: “No, I know it is the right time... But this is brilliant and is a great way to go. You can’t ask for any more than winning the league.” You can read more from Scholesy here. (MF)

20:27 Sir Alex has just spoken to the fans from the stage in Albert Square, where the parade has ended in a sea of colour and noise. "I thought that '99 could not be beaten but you've beaten it today. Absolutely fantastic, all of you. Thank you for your fantastic support. We're proud of you. And the players, a magnificent bunch of lads. I hope we're all here to witness this many times again. Well done, good luck." (AB)

20:06 Robin van Persie clearly feels his first parade as a title winner was well worth the wait. He told Helen McConnell: "Everyone is so happy, it's just incredible. The medal hasn't left my neck since yesterday, it's been here all night. The trophy's a heavy trophy and it's great to win it finally. This trophy is for the fans, the players, the staff... the one thing I really like is it's made so many people so happy. You see kids, babies, women, men, all sorts of people are so happy and I'm very pleased to see that." (AB)

20:01 MUTV's Helen McConnell has just interviewed Sir Alex, who was loving the atmosphere and drew comparisons with the 1999 treble parade when Deansgate was absolutely packed. You'll be able to read his full comments soon. (MF)

19:59 The bus is currently motoring down Deansgate and is about to pull into Albert Square, where The Courteeners are currently performing to thousands of United fans. (MF)

19:57 Tom Cleverley is the latest title-winner to give his thoughts to MUTV and the Reds midfielder is loving every minute of the parade: “It is one of the best feelings ever, this is what you work for as a player and it feels unbelievable to have the trophy in my hands. I have been at the club for a long time now and I know it is all about winning things, so to be part of that is massive for me so I am buzzing.” (MF)

19:47 We’ve got reaction from Phil Jones, who’s seemingly in dream land: “It’s a special day for me, it’s my first parade and hopefully it’s the first of many. I am going to enjoy this summer massively, this is what you dream of and we are going to enjoy it in the right way. Yesterday was an incredible day for me and my family, and it is something I will never forget.” (MF)

19:42 Helen McConnell has interviewed Jonny Evans on the bus, who said: “I thought everybody was going to bring their medals? I brought mine to show the fans. It is great. Obviously, we had a parade a couple of years ago and it’s good to see them turn out again. When you win a trophy, it is always a great season and you have to enjoy occasions like this. But I don’t think it is any different to any other season. Being successful and winning trophies is what it’s all about.” (MF)

19:20 Carrick has also been on camera giving his reaction to this incredible parade: “It is unbelievable. I have been getting carried away and I’ve nearly fallen off about three times. The turnout is just amazing; the whole weekend has been special after a strange week. This weekend has been unbelievable. Obviously, we are celebrating winning the league but with Scholesy and the manager retiring, it is a fitting send-off for two special people.” (MF)

19:15 As Adam said, Giggsy has been interviewed and this is what he had to say: “Today is just brilliant. Obviously, it gives us a chance to share our great achievement with the fans and they have turned out in their thousands - it’s an amazing atmosphere... There have been mixed emotions with the news that the manager is leaving. It has been hard, it has been tough, especially for the players who have known him for a long time, but I am happy and delighted that we could end the season on a high by winning the league in his last season.” (MF)

19:00 Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and Mike Phelan have already spoken to MUTV's Helen McConnell on the moving bus, and now it's the turn of Jonny Evans and Phil Jones. Expect quotes from them all on ManUtd.com in due course. (AB)

18:44 The bus has now left Old Trafford and is currently cruising down Chester Road en route to Deansgate and eventually Albert Square, driving past thousands of fans who have lined the streets of Manchester. The players, wearing various items of club merchandise, are filming the journey on personal cameras and taking in every second. (MF)

18:39 Here's what Sir Alex had to say, in a short but sweet speech to the jubilant crowd here at the stadium (AB):
"I'm more pleased for you than anything else. To go through a thirty-eight game league programme and win it in style with a great bunch of players. It's a young squad, a lot of good young players. They're going to get better, a lot of them, and the big test is can they win it three times in a row as we've done before? I hope the boys can do that. "Yesterday was a day I'll never forget, I thank you for that. All my family will never forget it. For my 11 grandchildren, it will live in their memory for many many years. We're setting off on the bus tour now so on behalf of all the players thanks for your support.  "One more thing before we go - tomorrow night our Under 21s play Liverpool, that mob from across the road. I hope some of you come and cheer the young lads on, it would be good of you. Thank you. All the best."

18:36 The moment we have all been waiting for has arrived - Sir Alex’s first appearance on the bus! The manager looks happy and relaxed, waving to supporters and posing for pictures with the Premier League trophy. He is now about to address everybody on the Old Trafford forecourt... (MF)

18:32 Earlier on, Alan Keegan managed to grab a word with Ferdinand and this is what he said: "I don't get many but it was a great time to score a goal. It was the right way for the manager to go out at Old Trafford, getting a win and scoring late in the game, it's what he's done throughout his career as Manchester United manager. It was the right way for him to go. The fans are brilliant. Look at the streets now, they're packed. It was raining earlier but everyone still came out. This is a great club with great fans. We need your support all the time and long may it continue." (MF)

18:30 Rio is back on the microphone, this time performing an excitable version of Michael Carrick’s crowd-pleasing chant based on Pilot’s iconic track ‘Magic’. His rendition, which was admirable but understandably low in quality, was thankfully bettered by the fans. (MF)

18:23 An exuberant Phil Jones is next on the microphone, explaining why this season has been so special for him: “It is incredible to see all of these fans out here today. To win my first title after what happened last season has been incredible and the fans have been brilliant.” Anders Lindegaard was next up and the Danish goalkeeper was at a loss for words, but expressed his delight to be playing for “the best club in the world.” (MF)

18:20 Chris Smalling is the latest player to board the bus and be interviewed by Alan Keegan, who asked the defender what it feels like to win his first title: “It’s a great feeling that will always stick with me and one that I will cherish,” he said. (MF)

18:15 Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand are next aboard the bus, both of whom received a great ovation from the crowd, quickly followed by Jonny Evans, Rafael, Shinji Kagawa and Tom Cleverley. All six raised the trophy individually before posing for official club photographer John Peters to take their picture. (MF)

18:09 Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra have just appeared with the Barclays Premier League trophy, triumphantly carrying it onto the bus to great cheers from the crowd. They’ve walked straight up the stairs to the top deck, showing off the championship crown in all its glory. (MF)

18:04 The bus is stationed on the forecourt and we’re awaiting the arrival of the players, staff and perhaps most importantly, the manager. Chants of “Champions, champions, champions” are sounding as stadium announcer Alan Keegan hypes the crowd. (MF)

17:48 Mark Sullivan is stationed on Deansgate, where he’ll report on the bus when it arrives at about 19:15. At the minute, he’s waiting with ex-Red Arthur Albiston, who knows exactly what it feels like to parade a trophy around the city. “It was fantastic," Arthur recalled. "These are the memories that stick with you, it is great fun and you never get fed up of doing. And it fantastic for all of the fans who come out - especially the young kids.” (MF)

17:44 As Adam mentioned, our MUTV colleague David Stowell is well-positioned on the forecourt with Sammy McIlroy, who is anticipating a special night for Sir Alex’s men. “There’s an unbelievable atmosphere,” he said. “The noise when the players arrive is going to be breathtaking.” (MF)

17:40 The parade may be 20 minutes away from starting but you can watch MUTV's live coverage now on ManUtd.com, for free, by clicking the link above or clicking here. Reds legends Paddy Crerand and Lou Macari have joined presenter Stewart Gardner in the studio, while another United great, Sammy McIlroy, is with David Stowell on the busy forecourt where the sun has come out... phew. (AB)

17:35 We’re just half an hour away from kick-off - for want of a better phrase - and the atmosphere outside is buzzing. Thankfully, the weather has even brightened up a bit, which might encourage even more people to line the streets this evening. Those fans coming to the stadium will also receive a specially-printed flyer with simple, yet effective, ‘#ThankyouSirAlex’ message. (MF)

16:39 I’ve just arrived at Old Trafford to cover the parade and, predictably, the weather in M16 is absolutely dreadful. We’ve had glorious sunshine, rain, thunder, lightning and even hailstone – all in the last hour! However, that hasn’t stopped the thousands of United fans who have already lined the streets, waiting for a first glimpse of the trophy. It should be a celebratory, if not slightly wet, evening for all. (MF)

16:35 A quick reminder as everybody gears up to the very special parade that there is another opportunity to head to Old Trafford tomorrow as well. Warren Joyce's youngsters take on Liverpool in the semi-finals of the Barclays Under-21 Premier League with kick-off at 7pm. Ticket details are available here. (AM)

16:29 The earlier hundreds-strong throng of fans will soon be joined by thousands of fellow Reds lining the parade route, I'm sure. But if you really can't get here to join them - if you're in the region, there's still time - then be sure to watch our live video stream from 17:30 BST. (AB)

15:50 Hats off (or should that be waterproof hats on?) to the hundreds of early-bird United fans who braved the hail and thunder storms to get a front-row position on the parade route, down below our office window. I'm sure they'll be rewarded with a fantastic view when the 'send-off' event starts here at 18:00. (AB)

14:44 We can exclusively reveal pictures of United's Champions 2013 victory parade bus. View it here. (BH)

14:20 Make sure you stay tuned to this Today at Old Trafford blog throughout the afternoon for the latest videos and text updates from the parade. (BH)

14:07 It's already getting quite busy at Old Trafford with fans turning up early to get the best spots to see the parade. I saw one woman selling helium balloons in the shape of the league trophy nearly getting blown away, and Sir Matt Busby Way is already a hive of activity with fans donning shirts and scarves and waving flags in anticipation of seeing Sir Alex and United's first-team show off the Barclays Premier League trophy. (BH)

14:04 Check out all the latest parade information and route map in the links above. (BH)

13:03 The sun is shining at the moment at OT - hopefully the weather holds out for those
attending the parade later today. For those watching our live stream on ManUtd.com or live on MUTV, of course, you don't need to worry about Manchester's temperamental climate! (BH)

12:09 ManUtd.com and MUTV are the places to be today to get all the best, behind-the-scenes access to United's trophy parade. The club's official TV channel will have a reporter on the bus speaking to the players and club staff involved. You can get all that exclusive access by tuning in to MUTV or watching our live stream right here on ManUtd.com. (BH) 

11:30 Jonny Evans was on the bench against Swansea on Sunday and it gave him further insight into Sir Alex's way of thinking. "When Rio scored, everyone was delighted for him and laughing because when you look at the clock you're thinking, 'It's just typical Alex Ferguson'. I was sitting in front of the boss on the bench and I could hear him talking to Rene about substitutions and he's just got a great eye for detail, and for bringing the right players on at the right time." (BH)


11:23 There was sadness as well as celebrations at OT yesterday according to Jonny Evans, who is preparing to join the rest of the squad in parading the trophy around Manchester later today. "It was great to lift the trophy but with the occasion of the boss's last home game, it was an emotional day. I've been a United fan all my life and haven't known any other manager to be at the club. I got emotional when Gary Neville left the club, so you can imagine what it was like for quite a few of us [when the manager says he's leaving]. It's great that he had his moment as well. He was able to speak to the fans and I think there were tears in a couple of the lads' eyes." (BH)

11:00 The parade is due to start at 18:30 BST (if you're coming along, all the information you need is here), and ManUtd.com will also be streaming the whole event live from 17:30 BST. For now, why not have another look at yesterday's trophy lift and our behind the scenes video of the team's dressing room celebrations in our video menu list above. (BH)

10:34 A very good morning to you! There were no doubt a few sore heads this morning after last night's celebrations on an emotional day at Old Trafford. We've used that word - emotional - a lot these past few days, but the celebrations and teary-eyed moments aren't over yet as Sir Alex and his players take the Barclays Premier League trophy on a parade around Manchester later today - and we'll be there to cover events with pictures, videos and text updates in this live blod. Stay tuned. (Ben Hibbs)