The Invisible 1995/96 Away Shirt of Manchester United! - History Behind The Shirt - Series 1


The kit that clashed!

Ever turned up to your Sunday league game, got changed warmed up with the lads and seen the other team come in the same gear? Well something similar happened with Manchester United back in the 1995/96 Premier League season against Southampton. 

The Shirt

At a time when clubs in the 1990s started experimenting with different colours and patterns, United went for an all grey away shirt. Manufactured by Umbro this was one of the most short-lived Manchester United shirts in history. The all round material and feel of the shirt is pristine, with a sublimated manufacture logo and sponsor and embroidered badge. 

The Match 

During the match, Manchester United were 3-0 down against Southampton. Alex Ferguson's first words in the dressing room believe it or not were 'take that kit off your getting changed' and the players followed and got changed in their blue and white shirts. 

                          ‘The players couldn’t pick each other out. They said it was difficult to see their team-mates at distance when they lifted their heads.’ 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRTBn6JpusI

The second half kicked off and the Saints and the spectators were left confused. Ryan Giggs pulled a goal back, but that only proved to be a consolation as Manchester United went on to lose the game 3-1. 

Fergie turned around and said '‘The players couldn’t pick each other out. They said it was difficult to see their team-mates at distance when they lifted their heads.’

What happened after? 

This grey kit was eventually scrapped and Umbro even went on to reduce their prices on this shirt that year, However United was fined £10000 by the FA with Alex Ferguson famously saying that is 'the best £10000 ever spent'! 

This result did not have a damaging effect on Manchester United's season as the club went on to lift the Premier League and FA Cup double, however this story will go down in football folklore. 

 

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