Manchester United 's football shirt history is a fascinating journey through time and design, marked by tradition, innovation and club identity. Founded in 1878 as Newton Heath LYR Football Club, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902, marking the beginning of a new era, including in terms of shirts.
The early years (1878–1950s)
The first shirts worn by the club were green and yellow, inspired by the club's railway roots. When the club changed its name in 1902, the shirts became red with white shorts and black socks – a classic combination that has defined the club's image ever since. The colors were chosen to symbolize strength and passion, and this expression quickly became an integral part of Manchester United's identity.
The 1950s and the Busby Babes
The 1950s were a period of sporting success, with the team known as the "Busby Babes" being formed under the leadership of manager Matt Busby. The jersey remained simple and iconic with few changes. A memorable variation was the white jerseys with red chevrons on the sleeves, worn in some European matches. Unfortunately, this era was tragically marked by the Munich plane crash of 1958, in which several of the Busby Babes lost their lives. After the accident, the club was praised for its ability to recover, and the red shirt became a symbol of resilience.
1960s to 1980s
In the 1960s and 1970s, jersey designs began to evolve with the introduction of sponsorship and kit customizations. The 1970s also marked the beginning of Admiral as the club's first official kit supplier, introducing more modern and streamlined designs. The red shirts now had distinctive white collars and cuffs, adding an element of style to the club's image. In the 1980s, the jerseys changed appearance once more when Adidas took over as supplier. This led to iconic designs such as the 1984 jersey with the distinctive diagonal pattern still remembered by many fans.
1990s and onwards
The 1990s were a golden age for Manchester United, both sportingly and commercially. With Eric Cantona as the star of the team, shirts from this period became legendary. In 1992, Umbro took over as jersey supplier, and the club began to integrate more technological innovations into their jerseys, such as breathable materials. It was also during this period that the club's main sponsor, Sharp, became synonymous with Manchester United's shirts.
In the 2000s, Nike, who took over as jersey supplier in 2002, continued to develop the jerseys. They introduced advanced technologies and elegant designs such as the red jersey with a thin white stripe down the middle. In 2015, Adidas again took over as supplier, marking a return to the roots with a modernization of previous classics. With the introduction of Chevrolet as a sponsor, the jerseys were given a modern touch, although the classic red color and simple style were retained.
Modern times
Recent years have seen a continued evolution of Manchester United's shirt designs, with the club attempting to strike a balance between tradition and innovation. The jerseys have become part of a global fashion culture, and every year new designs are launched with great fanfare. Adidas continues as supplier, and the latest shirts have been a tribute to past successes, with subtle references to the club's rich history.
In summary, Manchester United's football shirt history reflects the club's evolution from a local railway club to a global football giant. Each shirt is part of the story of a club that has overcome great challenges and continues to stand as one of the world's most beloved football institutions.
