Europa League Final: Tottenham Force Manchester United Into Kit Change
- Manchester United will wear a slightly different kit when they play Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final
- Tottenham are set to continue with their 64-year-old tradition after legendary manager Bill Nicholson changed their kits in 1960
- One of the two teams will have an opportunity to end their season with a silver lining after disappointing league campaigns
Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United will battle it out in the Europa League final on Wednesday, May 21.
Source: Getty Images
The two teams will fly to Spain for the first all-English European final since the 2021 Champions League final between Chelsea and Manchester City.
The buildup to this game has been centred around the poor seasons both clubs have had. With only one game of the Premier League season remaining, both clubs are certain not to finish higher than 15th place.
The Europa League final will therefore present an opportunity for one of the teams to salvage their season and qualify for next season's Champions League.
Manchester United forced into kit change for Europa League final
Manchester United have been forced into a kit change, which was confirmed by the club in a statement. The club will wear red shirts, with black shorts and black socks, which is a little bit different from their usual home kit of white shorts and black socks.
The Red Devils are the designated away team in this fixture and thus have to wait for the 'home' team to decide their colours to avoid a clash.
Tottenham confirmed they will wear their traditional all-white for European games, and thus United cannot wear white shorts as well. The North Londoners usually wear white shirts and navy blue shorts for their home assignments in the league, but ditch the shorts for white ones in Europe.
Why Spurs wear all-white in Europe
So, why do Spurs change their kits for European games? You have to go back to the 1960 season when legendary manager Bill Nicholson argued that the white shirt and navy shorts combination made it difficult for the players to see each other.
In an era when there were no floodlights yet, Nicholson wanted his players to wear all-white to improve visibility, as explained on Tottenham's website. It was hard to argue against the most successful manager in Tottenham's history.
Since then, Spurs have rocked the all-white kit in European games where permitted, but haven't been as successful as they were during the Nicholson days.
Manchester United's kit for Europa League final
United will now have to wear the red shirt, black shorts, black socks combination in San Mames. The last time they wore that was against Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Round of 16. Joshua Zirkzee's goal then was enough to earn a one-all draw.
Source: Getty Images
The other time they wore the combination was against Everton in February.
Fans' reactions to Manchester United's Europa League kit
Manchester United fans have reacted to the kit news with many desperate for a win against Spurs.
Okang Mary said,
"Any colour. If you like, wear pink. Just get the job done and bring back the trophy."
Kelly Moses Owade said,
"You're focusing on useless details. Tell us how many players are back from the injury. Talk about the availability of Yoro on the grass."
While Ifiok Victor said,
It's not the colour that will win you the match. Manchester United admin, tell Amorim if 3-4-3 is not working in the first place. He should switch to 4-3-3 cos the formation is the reason why we're in 16. Imagine if we started the season with Amorim."
Why Manchester United could be banned from Champions League
In a related report, Manchester United might be barred from the Champions League even if they win the Europa League.
United are 90 minutes away from saving their season and qualifying for the Champions League if they fend off Tottenham.
However, due to UEFA's rule on club ownership, United might be prevented from playing in the Big Ears competition. Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe also owns French club Nice, who might also qualify for the Champions League.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
