Honouring 140 Years of Excellence: The Story Behind Manchester United’s 2018-19 Kit
A Symbolic Collaboration
In a compelling testament to footballing history, Manchester United, one of the most prestigious clubs in the English Premier League, has joined forces with Adidas, a global powerhouse in sports apparel manufacturing, to release their much-anticipated new home kit for the 2018-19 season. This remarkable collaboration is symbolic on multiple fronts, most notably as a commemoration of the 140th anniversary of the esteemed Manchester United club. The new kit is not merely a garment for the game. Still, an embodiment of history, tradition, and honor, beautifully encapsulated in a unique railway pattern, a nod to the club’s origins.
Tracing the Roots: The Genesis of Manchester United
The journey of Manchester United is a story worth telling. Established in 1878, the club began as the Newton Heath (Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway) Cricket and Football Club. The club was the brainchild of the diligent workers from the Carriage and Wagon department of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway depot at Newton Heath. The team initially played their matches against other departments and railway companies at their home ground, nestled in North Road, Manchester.
Through its tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to the game, the club ascended to the First Division by 1892 – the pinnacle of English football at the time. The turn of the century brought significant changes, with the club rebranding in 1902 to what we now know and revere as Manchester United. Eight years later, in 1910, the club moved to its iconic home, Old Trafford – a name synonymous with footballing excellence and a symbol of its grandeur.
A Kit With a Rich Narrative
The new kit is slated to debut during Manchester United’s summer tour match against Club America, set in the picturesque city of Phoenix, Arizona. The equipment is a visual spectacle with its richly textured fabric, exhibiting a striking black and red gradient. This display of color transition, coupled with accompanying black shorts and matching red and black socks, perfectly encapsulates the bold and dynamic spirit of the club.
Group Managing Director of Manchester United, Richard Arnold, lauded the creative prowess behind the Adidas design, stating, “This shirt from Adidas pays homage to the year of our foundation and marks 140 years of footballing success.” Apart from being aesthetically appealing, the railway pattern on the kit serves as a visual chronicle of the club’s roots, seamlessly connecting the past and the present.
Fusing Innovation with History
Adidas’ Design Director for Football, Inigo Turner, shed light on the design philosophy behind the new kit, describing it as an exquisite blend of the club’s illustrious history, profound traditions and Adidas’s innovative technology and avant-garde design principles. The aim was not merely to design a kit but to narrate the fascinating evolution of the team’s uniform – from what it was 140 years ago to the contemporary Manchester United kit of today.
Expanding Partnerships: Embracing Kohler
Adding another element of interest to the kit is the logo of Kohler, a new major partner of Manchester United and the club’s first-ever sleeve sponsor. This comprehensive partnership extends beyond the equipment and into various avenues such as joint matchday activities, upgrades and enhancements to club facilities, and implementing global corporate social responsibility projects. The partnership aims to deepen the connection between Manchester United fans, Kohler customers, and their partners worldwide.
Conclusion: Blending the Past with the Future
In summary, Manchester United’s new kit serves as a vivid tribute to the club’s rich heritage, embodying a journey that began 140 years ago in the railway yards of Newton Heath. Through the striking design of the new kit, the club proudly displays its history, honoring its roots while simultaneously showcasing its continued progress and aspiration for future success.
The innovative design approach combines tradition with modernity, keeping the spirit of Manchester United alive. This approach is more than symbolic; it indicates the club’s philosophy of respecting the past while relentlessly pushing the boundaries to remain at the forefront of world football.
Moreover, the new partnership with Kohler adds to the club’s growing global presence. This strategic collaboration goes beyond the logo on the sleeve; it’s a commitment to shared values and ambitions, both on and off the pitch.
The release of the new kit and the announcement of the partnership with Kohler signify the beginning of a new era for Manchester United. It reminds fans and football lovers worldwide that the club cherishes its origins and is committed to forging ahead with innovation and progress. It underscores the unwavering passion and resilience that have been the hallmarks of Manchester United for 140 years.
With the new kit, Manchester United steps into the future while staying true to its past. The railway lines of Newton Heath are no longer just a part of history; they are a part of the fabric that represents Manchester United today. The 2018-19 home kit is not just an attire for the game – it’s a symbol, a story, and an embodiment of a legacy that continues to inspire and enthrall football fans across the globe.