Manchester United have officially launched the home kit that they will wear at Old Trafford next season after having their initial release ruined by rapper Aitch.
Release day for a club’s new kit is usually one of the most anticipated in the summer calendar for supporters. As has been customary, fans have been treated to a number of leaks, with one coming from Manchester-born rapper Aitch.
The 23-year-old, whose real name is Harrison James Armstrong, performed wearing the never-seen-before shirt during his Glastonbury set last week. Fans flocking to the Red Devils’ website aiming to buy the strip were left disappointed after it was not available, though.
A post on the club’s official website in the aftermath of the performance read: "Our new home kit was seen for the first time on Saturday when lifelong United fan and Manchester native Aitch wore it proudly, during his acclaimed performance on Glastonbury's legendary Pyramid Stage."
However, it has now been officially released with United revealing the shirt - made by German giants adidas - takes inspiration from Manchester’s industrial heritage.
The kit embodies the spirit of the city by featuring the iconic red rose in a geometric pattern and echoes back to the bridge between Manchester and Salford that was built during the industrial revolution.
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From a purely aesthetic point of view, the pattern sits on a primarily red design with the Red Devils’ and adidas logo featured on the chest in white. Meanwhile, the shirt is rounded off by a striped flat knit crew neck collar, which sports red, white and black.
Inigo Turner, Design Director at adidas Football said: “The undying support and connection that Manchester United fans have with their club and city is unique, and for this season’s iteration of the home jersey, we’ve drawn inspiration from just that by celebrating the city’s industrial heritage. The red rose is a symbol that evokes a great sense of pride in the people of Manchester, with the club inextricably linked to its rich history.
“The design really does champion the people and city that make Manchester United what it is today – and we can’t wait to see fans and players united as one wearing the jersey, in what is set to be an important season for the club.”
Supporters will get the chance to see the new shirt in action for the first time when the Red Devils take on fierce rivals Leeds United in a pre-season friendly in Norway. That game is set to take place on July 12.
Supporters however will be able to get their hands on the shirt before that. It is due to go on sale on United Direct on June 27.
Following their clash with Leeds, Erik ten Hag's side face a hectic pre-season schedule. They are set to clash with the likes of Lyon, Arsenal, Wrexham, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Athletic Club before their first Premier League match of the campaign.
The Red Devils open their season against Wolves at Old Trafford, where the new home shirt will of course be worn competitively for the first time.
