As we are all counting down the days to the beginning of the 30th Premier League season, one of the first things fans eagerly await and get their hearts racing for is the launch of each teams new kits; and Manchester United have had some beauties in the past three decades.
We have picked the top five from the 29 Manchester United away kits that have featured during the Premier League era, and explain how these pieces of materials have etched themselves into United’s history.
5. 1995-96 A Sight For Sore Eyes
The first entry on this list is probably Manchester United's most infamous shirt to date. This kit only left the dressing room five times during the 1995/96 season and United lost in this outfit on four of these occasions.
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The most well known loss in this shirt came against Southampton, where the Red Devils went in at half-time trailing, much to everybody's surprise, 3-0 away at the Dell.
Sir Alex Ferguson pinned the blame of his team's terrible first 45 minutes on the shirt as he thought it was affecting his players’ vision. United changed to their third kit at half-time and improved in the second half, but ultimately still lost 3-1.
Although it was hated by Sir Alex, this villainous origin story only adds to the appeal of the kit. The unique grey coupled with the iconic Sharp sponsor makes this piece a timeless, constant memory of those few games in 1995/96.
4. 1999/00: Skinhead Roy Keane
The first thing that comes to mind when many people see this kit is a skinhead Roy Keane squaring up to his long-time nemesis Patrick Viera in one of their many heated exchanges.
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Manchester United would beat Arsenal, at Highbury 2-1, to end a 20 month long unbeaten streak at home for the Gunners whilst in this kit with Roy Keane scoring both of the goals.
This shirt wouldn't have been the most fun and comfortable to play in as it was made out of a material similar to that of a towel which gave it the feel of a sweatshirt.
This is one of the separating characteristics of this top that makes it so loved, however a top like this wouldn't be able to survive in today's market of light and breathable football shirts.
3. 2013/14: Adnan Januzaj
This kit brought Adnan Januzaj into the world of Manchester United and for that we should be eternally grateful.
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The teenaged Belgium winger dazzled on his full Premier League debut, scoring twice with his second being a venomous volley which propelled him into the hearts of the United faithful.
The shirt also represented the beginning of a new era at the club as it was the first season after Sir Alex’s retirement.
Remembered more by the players that wore it, rather than the design itself, this kit has Januzaj to thank for its place in United’s history as the 13/14 season doesn't bring back fond memories.
2. 2018-19: A Penalty In Paris
A rainy night in the Parc des Princes, 93rd minute, with United needing one more goal to complete their comeback against PSG; suddenly… penalty! Up steps Marcus Rashford, and the rest is history.
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This pale pink kit embodies one of Manchester United’s best comebacks in recent years, a memory which for many United fans is a moment that brings a smile in what has been a dark time for the clubs (lack of) Champions League successes of late.
This kit stands out from Manchester United’s collection of away shirts in the past 30 years as it is the only time United have worn this colour.
The black of the badge and the sponsor’s logo pop outward against the two shades of pink used, with the darker pink highlighting the trademark of the Adidas three stripes.
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This kit is complementary to itself and lovely to look at, and certainly arouses fond memories of that famous night in Paris.
1. 1997/99: Giggs Shoots!
The treble winning away kit.
Ryan Giggs is synonymous with this shirt after he slalomed his way through the Arsenal team and scored the winning goal in an FA Cup semi-final replay which many members often refer to as the game which decided the Premier League title, purely because of the moral impact it had on the two sides at the time.
The black shield behind the Manchester United badge, of this top, is rumoured to be coming back for the away shirt for the 2022/23 season which pays homage to this iconic kit and year.
Topics: Manchester United, Football, Kit, Roy Keane, Sir Alex Ferguson, Ryan Giggs, Marcus Rashford