"Worst away jersey in recent years", "Looks like a cricket top" - Manchester United fans react as images of away kit leaks online
Manchester United fans reacted on social media after images of their potential away kit for the 2024-25 season were leaked online.
The leaked jersey featured two different shades of blue, with a dark blue tint on the front and a slight hint of purple down the sides and back of the shirt. White stripes run from the shoulders halfway down into the sleeves, with the Manchester United crest in white at the front.
The letter "M" was also included in different configurations all over the shirt, ostensibly representing "Manchester", forming a unique pattern.
The overarching reaction to the leaked design from most fans was negative. One fan wrote on X:
"Worst away jersey in recent years."
Another one added:
"Looks like a cricket top."
Here is a list of fan reactions (on X):
"Looks horrible, the back is like a bedsheet cover trying to cover an oversized mattress, so i will wait till David Beckham wears it..."
"The blue colour on the side and back ruined it."
"They should stop playing football and focus on modeling jerseys for clubs."
"Suits the state of the club."
"The two-tone thing is weird."
"Praying this isn't real."
"Thats horrible."
Manchester United have used the blue color for many of their away kits in the past, with mixed success. Some of them were hits, such as the Europa League-winning kit in the 2016-17 season. They also had a light-blue and white kit between 1990-92 which was reincarnated in 2021. Others were not so beloved, such as the 2013-14 away kit which featured a checkered pattern in blue and black.
"Focus on getting closer to winning titles" - Former Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata's advice to new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Former Manchester United star Juan Mata delivered a piece of advice to new club owners, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS, imploring them to try and get closer to winning titles.
INEOS have already shown great commitment and promise since buying a minority stake in the club. They've hired the likes of Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, convincing fans that the club is headed in the right direction.
Mata, who scored 51 goals and assisted 43 in 285 appearances for Manchester United, recently spoke with ESPN. He advised the new owners to follow the Arsenal model.
Arsenal, who have also endured an incredibly long spell without a league title, became competitive since Mikel Arteta's appointment as manager in 2019. They are now on the verge of winning their first Premier League title in 21 years.
Mata said:
“We know the consistency that Man City is having over the years and for me, the sign of of a great club that is doing the right things on the pitch is one that if [they] don’t win, is second or third."
"So I think the club first needs to focus on getting closer, like Arsenal is doing. Of course, Arsenal, a couple of years ago, was far away from winning and now they’re very close and I think United, hopefully with the new direction in the football side can do that," he added.
Manchester United have won just one Carabao Cup (2022-23) in the last seven years.