Not sure what Manchester's policy is on it but I would have lined up the the Emirates.Do a little bit of the runway inspection,then vacate.Depart Emirates and then finish off the runway inspection.Sounded like a routine inspection only.
As regards in depth inspections,then where I worked they took a lot longer on a much shorter runway,and with 2 vehicles.They check for the lights etc more on those ones.
I think the controller should have just ignorned the Emirates jibe about a number,and gone back with sorry I was on the phone say again.Then it's defused,and about 5 min delay due runway inspection keeps everyone happy usually.
Then again fuel burn v hitting FOD a la Concorde.
