With the new Premier League season just weeks away, many Manchester United fans are excitedly anticipating the release of the Red Devils’ new kits.
Often, the kits that have the most unique designs are third kits. With the release of United’s new third kit right around the corner, here is a look at some of the most iconic third shirts the Red Devils have had in the Premier League era.
5 – 2016/17 Shirt – Zlatan’s Debut Goal
Coming in at fifth on the list is United’s third shirt from the 2016/17 season.
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They have had some classic white shirts over the years, and whilst this one isn’t necessarily the most memorable of the lot, it is still aesthetically pleasing. It has a simplistic white design, and the dark pattern on the sleeves is like that of the 2016/17 home shirt.
That season saw the return of Paul Pogba, as well as three other signings, one of which including that of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. It was in that shirt that Ibrahimovic made his Premier League debut for United, away to Bournemouth.
The striker got himself onto the scoresheet in that game too, with a long-range effort finding its way into the back of the Bournemouth goal.
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United ended the season with three trophies, as Jose Mourinho managed the Red Devils to titles in the Community Shield, Carabao Cup and Europa League.
4 – 1992/93 and 1993/94 Shirt – The Green and Gold
In fourth place on the list is the green and gold shirt, which was worn for two seasons between 1992 and 1994. The colours and design are, of course, a throwback to the days when United were called Newton Heath before the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902.
One of the most legendary players in United’s history, Eric Cantona, is often the first player people think of when they see this kit. Cantona’s iconic collar-up look resonates with fans of both United and other clubs, across the world.
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Umbro certainly created a unique design and colourway when it came to this third shirt. It was a clever concept and is a shirt that will live long in the memory of United fans.
3 – 1996/97 and 1997/98 Shirt – Cantona’s Last League Title
Ranking third on the list is the third shirt worn between 1996 and 1998. The second Umbro shirt on the list, it is an all-blue shirt, with black and white patterns on the main body and sleeves.
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One of the best things about this shirt is the fact that the badge and Umbro logo are centralised, a fashion that has seen an unfortunate decline in recent years. However, it was a prominent feature on football shirts during the 1990s, and it was well-done by Umbro on United’s third shirt.
This third shirt was the final one worn by Eric Cantona, who retired at the end of the 1996/97 season. United also won the Premier League at the end of the same season, giving the Frenchman the perfect send-off to finish an iconic career.
2 – 2008/09 Shirt – Those Ronaldo Goals
One of the most common colours for Manchester United’s third kit to be is blue, and there haven’t been many better than that worn during the 2008/09 season. The kit itself is very simplistic, with an entirely blue shirt, as well as blue shorts and blue socks.
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Cristiano Ronaldo scored one of his most memorable goals for United in this shirt, away to Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final. Arguably Ronaldo’s best United goal came from a freekick around 40 yards out, almost on the touchline.
His powerful effort beat Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia and nestled into the back of the net. It is undoubtedly one of the great Champions League goals of all time.
Ronaldo also finished off an electric counter-attacking move in the same game. He played a clever backheel pass to Ji-Sung Park before sprinting almost the entire length of the pitch and converting Wayne Rooney’s low cross. A scintillating move in a truly iconic third shirt.
1 – 1998/99 – The Treble Season
Claiming the number one spot on the list is the 1998/99 third shirt. That season was undoubtedly the greatest in United’s history, as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side won the treble in incredible circumstances.
Whilst this shirt wasn’t worn in a game where United claimed one of their three trophies, it is still a great shirt worn in a phenomenal season.
The entirely black shirt, shorts, and socks combination, with the green and white trimming all work very well together. This was midway through United’s partnership with Umbro, and it is arguably the best third kit they designed for the Red Devils.
All three of the kits that were worn by United in 1998/99, including the white away shirt and the black third shirt described here, look classy. There could certainly be a strong case made to say the kits from the treble-winning season make up one of the best sets of kits for United in Premier League history.
This shirt is certainly deserving of a place in the top five, but because of the fact it was worn during the treble season, and it’s an aesthetically pleasing shirt, it takes the top spot.
Topics: Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo, Eric Cantona, Premier League, Kit
Joe Nuttall