Introduction: A Fashionable Nod to a Legendary Past
Anticipation and excitement permeate the football world, especially among Manchester United fans. In partnership with the club, Adidas has rolled out a stunning new kit design for the 2019-20 season. This is no ordinary kit, however. It’s a meticulously designed tribute to one of the most remarkable achievements in the club’s rich history — the historic Treble clinched during the unforgettable 1998-99 season.
1: Revisiting the Legendary Treble
Twenty years back, Manchester United made football history in a way that had never been seen in English football. They became the first-ever team to win the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League in the same season. This extraordinary achievement, known as the Treble, has since set United apart in the annals of football history. Today, that monumental accomplishment is celebrated through the unique design elements and intricate detailing of the new kit.
2: The ‘Miracle of Barcelona’ Lives On
One of the pivotal moments during that incredible season took place in Barcelona. In the final of the Champions League, United managed an electrifying 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich. The heroes of that match were Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjær, now the team’s manager, who scored the two all-important goals. This awe-inspiring comeback, often referred to as the “Miracle of Barcelona,” is poignantly echoed in the design of the new kit.
The Kit Design: Capturing Moments in Stitch
The new kit ingeniously captures the thrilling moments of that match on its sleeves. On the left sleeve, you’ll find an imprint stating “90+1,” symbolizing the minute Sheringham scored the critical equalizer. Conversely, the right sleeve bears “90+3,” marking the minute Solskjær sealed the win with his goal. This distinctive design element effectively encapsulates the drama and last-minute heroics that football fans worldwide associate with that memorable night in Barcelona.
Moreover, the date “26.05.1999” is imprinted on the lower side of the shirt, signifying the momentous day when the Red Devils completed their historic Treble. The redesigned club crest on the chest, a mix of black and gold, takes us back to the badge on the team’s Treble-winning kit, reaffirming the design’s nostalgic appeal.
3: Honoring the Great Dane: The Goalkeeper’s Kit
The new goalkeeper kit also pays a significant tribute to that illustrious season. It draws inspiration from the gear worn by the legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, fondly known as the “Great Dane,” during the 1998-99 season. The design features an eye-catching combination of black and purple with a unique tiger print, a symbol of strength and agility, perfectly befitting a goalkeeper of Schmeichel’s caliber.
The Grand Debut: A Tribute to Heroes Past
The new kit’s debut couldn’t have been more perfectly timed. It occurred during a charity match against Bayern Munich at Old Trafford on May 26, 2019, exactly 20 years after the Treble-winning final. This event was even more special as United legends, who had participated in the monumental match two decades ago, donned the new kit, making for a truly poignant moment. The team also sported the equipment in their pre-season match against Leeds United in Perth, Australia, on July 17, adding a touch of nostalgia to the beginning of a new football.
4: From The Design Room To The Pitch: The Making of the Tribute Kit
Adidas and Manchester United arrived at the final design after a while. It took months of collaboration, design revisions, and attention to detail to create a kit that captured the spirit of the 1998-99 season. From the initial concept to the final product, every aspect of the design process was carried out with one aim: to create a shirt that faithfully embodies the essence of the Treble-winning campaign.
The iconic black and gold color scheme, the commemorative imprints on the sleeves, the redesigned crest – all were carefully thought out and expertly executed. The result is a kit that looks great on today’s players and serves as a nostalgic keepsake for fans.
5: Unveiling The New Kit: A Walk Down Memory Lane
The unveiling of the kit was a much-anticipated event that met all expectations. The charity match against Bayern Munich at Old Trafford was an ideal platform for this, adding an emotional depth to the occasion. Seeing the legends of the past in the new kit brought back a flood of memories for fans worldwide, making it a memorable day.
The players wore the kit for their pre-season match against Leeds United in Perth, Australia, officially ushering in the new season. This event was a symbolic passing of the baton from the past generation of United legends to the present, reminding everyone that while the club respects and honors its history, it remains focused on building a successful future.
Epilogue: The 2019-20 Season – Forging Ahead With Pride
This kit transcends its primary function as a sports uniform. It is a symbol that embodies Manchester United’s most glorious achievement, a tangible testament to an extraordinary feat achieved two decades ago. To fans, it’s a piece of memorabilia, offering a nostalgic journey back to a time of unprecedented victory. For the current squad, it’s a beacon of inspiration, a physical representation of the heights they aspire to reach.
As Manchester United embark on a new season, they do so in a new kit and with renewed inspiration. The 2019-20 kit is a constant reminder of the heights the club has reached and the excellence they strive for. It’s not just about style or fashion but about maintaining a legacy, honoring the past, and inspiring the future. Here’s to the upcoming season, filled with success and style, both on and off the pitch!
