Manchester United have just released their new third kit for the 2024/25 season and the shirt itself looks to be going down a treat, but the new advert featuring none other than actor Barry Keoghan has proved to be the real star of the show.
The white adidas Originals kit actually debuted a day prior to the lengthy ad being rolled out, but United had already shared a teaser of Keoghan, a lifelong fan, last week after reports he had been picked for the lead role back in June.
Designed around the central feature of the familiar flag used by the Red Army and various other supporters’ groups around the club, the shirt and the retro tracksuit that has been released alongside it both revolve around adidas’ trademark three stripes and that iconic colour scheme: red, white and black.
Running for nearly two and a half minutes, it channels the magic of iconic footy adverts like Nike’s Joga Bonito, those noughties Pepsi ads, the best of Man United’s kit launch videos down the years, only with all the nostalgia of 90s Manchester scene. Safe to say people have fallen in love with it.
Regardless of whether you’re a Red or not, you have to admit it feels like a real throwback and the cameos alone make for a great watch.
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Filmed around the old Cliff Training Ground in Salford – where the team used to train before moving to Carrington – there’s all manner of references to the club’s history, and the filmic quality to the whole thing makes it feel like something pulled straight out of the era itself.
As Irish reporter Gavan Reilly wrote on X: “Barry at Fergie’s desk. The three lads sitting atop the dugout. Linesman Jaap. Mainoo and Robson. Højlund and Irwin. Amad’s celebration. Garnacho’s grimace. Luke Shaw (probably) getting injured giving fistbumps. A magnificent piece of work.”
The outpouring of positive reactions online is endless; one person wrote: “Everything about this is class with the 90s feel to it and ‘Born Slippy’ [by Underworld] in the background over the commentary is chef’s kiss, while another joked: “If United can get Barry Keoghan to actually dress well, they can absolutely win a quadruple this season…”
A third person added: “Last big advert was Roy Keane, this time Barry Keoghan. The Irish lads are doing well out of Man United. I like the ad. Pulling on the history of the club.” We could go on but you get the gist – fans love it.
You couldn’t put it better than the consensus has on social media, with, “They always drag you back in with stuff like this”, “Reminds you why you love football and why you love this club. Sensational”, and many other comments to this effect to be found in the replies.
United and several other big clubs such as Real Madrid, Arsenal, Juventus and more will be wearing special adidas Originals kits featuring the classic trefoil logo this season, but we dare say very few will be showing there’s off there’s with an advert starring Barry Keoghan.
Mixing nostalgia and football will always be a winning formula and even Manchester City revealed their throwback 99-inspired away kit earlier this month, but like any kid who watched the old-school campaigns on the telly, adverts like these always stay with you.
Featured Images — adidas/Manchester United (screenshots via YouTube)
Sport
Etihad Stadium showcases City Hall, the new beating heart of Manchester City match days
Lonnie Bowes
There’s a particular kind of Manchester buzz you only get pitch-side. If you’re a seasoned Cityzen this one’s for you – one of three major new hospitality options for your next game day at the Etihad Stadium.
Tucked in the heart of the new Pep Guardiola Stand, directly behind the goal, we have the brand-new City Hall.
City Hall is built for people who actually want to watch football in comfort, and with a massive 500 capacity hall a stone’s throw from the pitch, it’s a hard one to pass up.
Doors open a full two hours before the match, and that early access turns the day into an occasion rather than a scramble.
There’s time to properly soak up the atmosphere in what is a genuinely lively, buzzing bar, and I have to say potentially one of the best I’ve come across on a match day.
Food and drink are where the local flavour really comes through. The street food menu leans into Manchester’s own identity with a modern twist.
The catering is relaxed and doesn’t take itself too seriously, let’s just say having a chip barm and chicken madras pie on the run-up to a kick-off is my idea of heaven.
Every guest gets an inclusive drink as part of your booking, too. You get to pick from a selected wine, beer or soft drink which you can claim at any point during your visit.
It’s a setup that suits everyone, whether you’re in it for a proper pre-match pint with your mates or meal with your family before a day of making pitch side memories.
The little touches matter too. A matchday programme is a nice, old-school addition in an era where so much matchday content has gone digital.
And crucially, the experience doesn’t end at the final whistle: with an hour’s access after the match, there’s no need to bolt for the exits the second the referee blows for full-time. You can sit and finish your drink, and let the ground empty out around you instead of fighting through it.
Put it all together and City Hall feels like hospitality done with an actual sense of place.
Manchester street food, a proper buzzing bar, and one of the best seats in the house, all wrapped around a schedule that respects the fact that match day is about more than just the 90 minutes.
For anyone looking to upgrade how they watch City this season, it’s well worth a look.
Have a look and make a booking at City Hall at the Etihad Stadium HERE.
The road to the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford has been confirmed
Daisy Jackson
The road to one of the biggest nights in rugby league has officially been mapped out, with the 2026 Betfred Super League Grand Final set to return to Manchester’s Old Trafford this October.
Following the final round of regular-season action, the four play-off ties have now been confirmed as the battle for a place at the home of Manchester United enters its final stages.
And there’s plenty for Greater Manchester sports fans to get excited about.
Wigan Warriors have secured the League Leaders’ Shield after an emphatic 50-12 victory over Catalans Dragons, with Matt Peet’s side running in nine tries to finish top of the table.
The result keeps Wigan’s hopes of an incredible treble alive, having already lifted the Betfred Challenge Cup back in May.
They’ll now have a week off while the opening play-off ties take place, as will second-placed Leeds Rhinos.
The first eliminator sees Wakefield Trinity welcome Leigh Leopards on Friday 18 September, with kick-off at 8pm.
Then, on Saturday 19 September, Warrington Wolves take on Hull KR at 5.30pm.
The winners of those games will progress to the semi-finals, while the losing sides will face the two highest-ranked teams in the competition.
The road to the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford has been confirmed. Credit: Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com
Leeds will host the highest-ranked eliminator loser on Friday 25 September at 8pm.
Then, 24 hours later, Wigan will welcome the lowest-ranked loser to the Brick Community Stadium for their semi-final, with that one kicking off at 5.30pm on Saturday 26 September.
For Wigan, it represents a huge opportunity to take another step towards an historic treble – and ultimately a return to Old Trafford.
The Grand Final itself takes place on Saturday 3 October, with the action getting underway at 6pm.
As ever, the biggest prize in Super League will be decided under the lights at Old Trafford, with the two remaining sides battling it out in front of what is expected to be another huge crowd in Manchester.
Danny Jones -
14th August 2024 
