The first images of what looks to be Manchester United’s new home kit for the 2023/24 season have been leaked online and, as always when it comes to footy shirts, it’s divided opinion.
As any lover of the beautiful game knows, footy kits aren’t just whatever the team wears over the course of a year: they often go down as season, sometimes era-defining bits of fashion infused with footballing memories of childhood, going to the games with your mates, seeing your favourite players and so on.
With that being said, like any group of supporters, Man United fans are always eager to see what the Red Devils will be wearing the following year and if these images are to be believed, this is what the 23/24 home kit looks like.
It isn’t often that we get a full video glimpse of leaked kits either, but you’re in luck this time:
As you can see, Adidas looked to have ditched the popular, retro-looking addition of a proper collar seen on the current shirt for a black and white V-neck design in line with the club’s regular secondary colours.
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The same colours can be seen on the cuffs as well and they have also got rid of the blocky, pentagonal crest shape around the badge that features on United’s 22/23 home shirt.
As for the exact shade of red and whether it differs at all, it’s rather hard to tell, but if you look closely you can see that there is a distinct texture.
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This static image gives a better idea of the faint pattern that the stitching creates.
Naturally, the verdict is pretty split as always, with fans dubbing it everything from “plain” or “a grower” to “beautiful” or maybe “the best shirt in years”.
There are also plenty that aren’t giving it the time of day and praying that it’s simply a fake, commenting, “disgusting”, “horrific” and “I’ll cry if this is it”; we even saw one person comparing it to “quilted toilet paper”. Ouch.
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While many are dubious as to whether this ‘leak’ can be trusted or not given that it still has TeamViewer as the sponsor, with their front-of-the-shirt contract ending this season, it is worth noting that the club stated they will remain there until a new main sponsor is found, which doesn’t look to have happened yet.
All that being said (and if this is indeed the genuine article), what do we think, Reds — is it a winner or simply another templated design from Adidas?
Super League Basketball Cup Finals return to Manchester for second year running
Danny Jones
Following the roaring success of last season’s epic conclusion, the 2026/27 Super League Basketball (SLB) Cup Finals are returning to the AO in Manchester.
Coming back for a second consecutive edition, the SLB’s domestic cup finals tournament will be taking over the city centre’s historic sporting and entertainment space for what is sure to be an even more exciting contest than the previous.
Intertwining themselves even deeper with UK basketball’s premier division, we’ll be hoping we can carry the home advantage all the way this time around.
Landing early next year, the arena’s bowl will be turned into a basketball venue which will host the top teams and talents throughout Britain.
Showcasing some of the very best men’s and women’s stars, this is one of the competition’s biggest flagship dates on the national calendar.
Offering clubs the first real chance of winning major silverware in the annual campaign, the organisers are urging fans to grab their tickets earlier than ever this year, with interest in the domestic game increasing constantly.
Local fans really showed up this past spring.
Set to take place on Sunday, 21 March 2027, next year’s deciders will see the female final tip off in the early afternoon, before the men’s players take to the court for a chance at the trophy.
In Manc basketball news, MCR have confirmed several key signings ahead of the new term, including a former London Lion.
SLB’s Head of Events, Clare Holmes, said in a statement: “We’re thrilled to be bringing the SLB Cup Finals back to the AO Arena for a second consecutive year.
“Last season’s event demonstrated the incredible appetite for elite basketball in Manchester, with a fantastic atmosphere created by supporters from across the country.
“Our goal is to continue raising the bar for our major events, and we’re excited to welcome fans back for another unforgettable day celebrating the very best of Super League Basketball.”
Early pre-sale access will be available to fans signed up to the official mailing list from Monday, 10 August, while general admission tickets go live at 10am the following week (17 Aug).
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via AO Arena/MCR Basketball)
Sport
Manchester United announce plans for first permanent fan zone at Old Trafford
Danny Jones
Manchester United have revealed the first glimpse at a brand-new fan zone at Old Trafford – the first permanent one of its kind at the ground.
Dubbed ‘The Paddock’ in a nod to the club’s history, the official Man United supporter park is due to open later this year.
Set to be fully unveiled just metres from the Stretford End, the aim is to make it “the closest place to the stadium to enjoy great local food, drink, and lively entertainment.”
The new addition comes after recent consultations with regular season ticket holders who want a dedicated and club-sanctioned space to enjoy themselves before, during and after fixtures.
As you can see from the brief look we’ve now gotten at the fan park, which will be able to hold approximately 1,300 Reds, The Paddock will revolve around food and drink – including some self-service bars – as well as space for live music and other entertainment.
We know the above image is only a little artist’s mock-up, but you can picture local grassroots musicians who support the team being given the opportunity to play the stage, etc.
Rick McGagh, Director of Fan Engagement at United, said: “We’re delighted that in partnership with Levy, we have implemented a wide range of changes to enhance matchdays, bringing greater choice and better service for supporters across the stadium – something fans have told us they want.”
An official statement goes on to read that “the proposed fan zone is the latest example of our continued investment in the atmosphere, fan experience and facilities at Old Trafford, while progressing plans for a new world-class stadium.”
Speaking of which, we recently got more details on where exactly ‘New Trafford’ (not a confirmed title, just FYI) will sit in relation to the existing Theatre of Dreams.
Wharfside will look VERY different in the years to come.
Obviously, all of this news comes as somewhat temporary by default given that we now know the vision of Man United’s new stadium is finally starting to move forward.
However, it is nevertheless good news for matchgoers looking for places to spend extended periods near the venue when going to a game.
At present, this is all still subject to full planning permission, but with former Old Trafford Regeneration Taskforce Members and Greater Manchester Mayor turned Prime Minister Andy Burnham now at the helm, you’d expect something like this to pass through smoothly and quickly.
With an autumn opening date currently set for the opening of The Paddock, it will be interesting to see how well-attended it is given some of the recent sentiments and frustrations surrounding many of the most loyal and dedicated Man United fans.
In case you missed it, even a six-year-old kid and former mascot has seen his ticket restricted due to the attempted crackdown on touts. 😬
Danny Jones -
27th April 2023 
