Is there anything better than a retro football kit?
Manchester United’s new away strip for the upcoming 2024/25 season dropped yesterday and it’s got all the hallmarks of a vintage classic.
The royal blue shirt has an embossed ‘M’ running across it, creating a very 1990s-style pattern – and of course… the polo club collar.
It’s already giving fans Eric Cantona and David Beckham flashbacks from United’s golden era.
If you think you’ve seen something similar to this kit before, you’re not imagining it, given its striking similarity to the club’s 1992/93 away shirt.
Adidas designer Sam Handy admitted the manufacturer tried to ‘resonate with fans via special nods to their club and culture’.
He said: ‘Through features such as the collar and a nostalgic design that speaks to beloved design codes, we champion elements of the city and club’s history, finished with premium modern details to stand out on the streets, in the stands and on the pitch.’
Manchester United’s best 1990s football kits
The Red Devils have sparked many a nostalgic feeling of an epic generation of kits from the 1990s.
With that in mind, we’ve taken a look back at some of the club’s best through the decade.
United’s new away kit has almost certainly taken inspiration from the one they donned more than 30 years ago, so let’s start there.
1992/93 blue away kit
You can see the similarities in this one to United’s newest release.
The shades of blue are different and the 92/93 kit is extremely bold, with a huge Manchester United logo printed across the front.
But the inspiration is undeniably there.
1992-1994 red and white home kit
What a season 1992/93 was for United fans. If the away kit wasn’t enough, just look at this home shirt.
Every box is ticked when it comes to 1990s nostalgia.
The open neck collar with the red lace and the different shades of red on the main body of the shirt.
And the famous Sharp sponsor. This was peak vintage United, as seen in their 93/94 title winning celebrations.
1992-1994 yellow and green third kit
Did we mention that the 92/93 season was iconic?
This yellow and green number is almost certain to divide opinion over whether or not the kit actually looks good or not.
But you’re not looking at a Norwich City home shirt – this was in-fact another United classic, designed in a nod to the Newton Heath (the club’s original name) colours from the late 1800s.
1990-1992 blue, white and red away kit
You only have to go back to the previous two seasons to find another United classic.
This blue and white pattern with the red Adidas logo and Sharp sponsor is perhaps one of the most iconic in the club’s history.
Even to this day, you’ll see supporters walking around or having a kickabout with this shirt on.
It instantly screams Man United at you – and we’ve got the early 1990s kit designers to thank for that.
1997-1999 white, black and red away kit
You can just see Ryan Giggs scoring that goal in the FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal at Villa Park can’t you?
That incredible solo goal was perhaps one of the most pivotal moments towards Man United securing the famous treble in the 1998/99 season.
And for that reason alone, it would be unforgivable not to include this classic.
Gooners worldwide are likely having palpitations at the thought of reliving that game and the sight of this white Umbro strip with its black and white detailing will forever be ingrained on their minds.
1995/1996 grey away kit
We’ve all seen this quirky grey away shirt before.
Whether it’s hideous or excellent, we’ll let you decide – but Sir Alex Ferguson certainly wasn’t a fan and even blamed the kit for the reason they were 3-0 at half-time against Southampton in April 1996.
The fact United scrapped it after only one season might also tell you everything you need to know.
Either way, it’s certainly rubber-stamped its place in classic ’90s kit folklore, even if for all the wrong reasons.
1998-2000 red, white and black home kit
This one made it to the list just in the nick of time.
Granted it was on the crossover into a new decade but it would’ve been rude not to include this absolute classic.
The unique zip, Umbro’s retro design on both the sleeves and shorts and the white collar…
You can almost feel United’s dominance from this era just by looking at the shirt.
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