Although it appears to be a design that builds on the previous one with few changes, the truth is that, if we look closely at the jersey, we can see a design that pays clear homage to the jersey worn by the ‘Red Devils’ during that fantastic 1998–1999 season, when they were crowned Champions League and FA Cup winners and also won the Premier League.
New kit for the Red Devils
On the new jersey, we can see how the club crest design has been incorporated into a larger coat of arms, mirroring the style of the legendary kit; it also retains various black details, such as the background of the crest, which complete the red look. Furthermore, on the side of the jersey, you can see the slogan ‘Treble Winners’ with a reference to Camp Nou, which is where they won the Champions League.
That specific reference to the Champions League is made not only because it was the third trophy – and Europe’s top honour – but also because of the way in which that magnificent title was won. The Red Devils, featuring David Beckham, Paul Scholes and current manager Solskjaer, were losing with just a few minutes to go, but in the space of just three minutes they turned the match around with goals in the 91st and 93rd minutes, leaving their opponents reeling and clinching the trophy.
As you can see, this epic moment is captured on the new jersey, with the minutes marked on either side of the sleeves against a starry background – once again a nod to Europe’s top competition.
From a technical point of view, the jersey – like the rest of the Manchester United kit – features adidas’s Climachill technology, which keeps us cool and dry whenever we’re playing or cheering on our favourite Manchester team.
As you can see, this is a jersey which, as well as its design, has a great history behind it and serves as a reminder of that glorious moment when the ‘Red Devils’ became the first team to win England’s long-awaited ‘treble’. On this 20th anniversary, it remains to be seen whether, under Solskjaer and with Paul Pogba, they can reclaim their former glory and put Manchester United back at the very top of English football.
