Man United have officially revealed their third kit for the 2023/24 season and beyond the reaction to the shirt itself, fans have been lapping up the announcement video — namely because it stars Roy Keane, giant versions of players and a reference to the infamous ‘prawn sandwich brigade’.
Unveiled on Tuesday, 8 August following a teaser released the day prior featuring the club legend which quickly got everyone talking, United‘s third kit reveal video is probably one of the most interesting things they’ve done in a while, albeit a bit… different?
We would’ve liked a ‘do me a favour’ thrown in there, but you can’t have everything.
As you can see, although there are plenty of more straightforward and stereotypical shots of the players donning the shirt, there are also clips of Keane walking around the pitch as a storm brews above, using Jedi-like powers to grab a pen using the force and a giant Casemiro looming large over Old Trafford.
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As you do.
While some of the moments are genuinely quite compelling — the whole concept revolving around the identity of being a Red Devil and the fact that people are born into supporting the club — it feels a bit jarring to go from a topless Marcus Rashford to an ultrasound of a scan of a baby United fan.
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And then there’s the pièce de résistance, which aside from getting the notoriously grumpy and no-nonsense ex-midfielder to not only promote the ex-employers he’s been critical of for so many years but to do a bit of acting, is undoubtedly the reference to one of his most famous moments in a United shirt.
Roy Keane’s iconic ‘prawn sandwich brigade’ speech in full.
In the legendary interview, Keane took aim at the casual fans and glory hunters who began following the Reds during their most successful years, inadvertently dubbing them the ‘prawn sandwich brigade‘ — a phrase which has been used to describe out-of-towners travelling to the game for decades now.
Moreover, it’s also been used by the likes of Manchester City fans to poke fun at the Old Trafford faithful and the club’s larger fan base: the joke being ‘all United fans are from London’ and prefer the luxuries of hospitality boxes to actually watching the game from the stands etc.
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While the term itself has kind of gone on to encompass casual fans, in general (somewhat similar to ‘armchair supporters’), Man United have struggled to shrug off the negative association ever since. With that in mind, the marketing team clearly thought they might as well lean into it – to great effect, we might add. It made us chuckle, anyway.
Nevertheless, it’s still far from the cut-and-paste kind of kit reveal with lots of flashing lights and too many obscure close-ups, and the shirt itself looks to be a bit of a classic judging by the reaction from the fans. They even got Keano to smile, somehow.
Southampton troll Manchester City after Ruben Dias’ frustrated interview
Danny Jones
Southampton FC have decided to respond to Manchester City star Ruben Dias with some casual trolling following his frustrated post-match interview this weekend.
In short, someone let the admin off the leash, and we’ll admit it caught us a little off guard.
Man City shared the points away at St Mary’s Stadium against the already relegated Saints – a fate which plays somewhat into the rather nonchalant nature of their social media this past Friday, 9 May.
Southampton hosted City for what turned out to be a beyond forgettable bore draw, although Dias himself was clearly still dwelling on it at least somewhat after the full-time whistle, claiming the home team put in very little effort. To which this was their reply…
While plenty of people online had already seen Ruben‘s review of their performance, the south coast side had no problem in drawing even more eyes to it by sharing the video above.
There’s one thing to disagree with/mock a single player’s response in a moment of tension, but putting together a mini blooper reel about last season’s Premier League champions and recent Treble winners to the rather out-of-tune flute version of ‘September’ by Earth, Wind & Fire felt pretty bold, to say the least.
Again, not that they’ll care one bit, given they won’t be even in the same division for at least another year.
It’s also just not all too often that you see football clubs’ official media channels memeing other teams, so it’s hard not to react when instances like this do happen.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola had a fair few of his own visibly frustrated feelings on the match as well, including some words for his own players, although stating that they should have been able to break down a team that’s already on their way to the Championship.
Pep’s post-match press conference following Southampton 0-0 City in full.
It’s also worth mentioning that while it may have felt like a bit of a damp rubber game, there was actually a lot more at stake in the grander scheme of things.
Not only did the draw rescue Southampton from setting a new record for the lowest points tally in the top-flight competition’s history, but much more importantly, it meant crucial points were dropped for the Blues in the race to secure Champions League football.
Most supporters would rightly assume Man City will be in UEFA’s premier continental competition next season, but it’s not a certainty just yet.
You can watch the highlights, or lack thereof, down below.
Who had more of a point, do you think – Ruben Dias or the Southampton admin?
Featured Images — Sky Sports (screenshots via YouTube)
Sport
London attraction The Curling Club is now expanding into Manchester
Thomas Melia
Well-reviewed winter attraction The Curling Club, which has already made a name for itself in London, is now making its way to Manchester.
Set to open in Manchester’s world-class skyscraper district, New Jackson, The Curling Club is keeping its stay short and sweet, with a three-month residency here in the city centre.
Curling Club will signal in the mid-winter season as it runs from late November right through until the end of February, giving you a lengthy period of time to sweep ’til your heart’s content.
This sports-themed pop-up opened in the capital last year, offering guests a wintery escape packed with food and drink choices, accommodating up to 600 people at a time, right next to The Shard.
The Curling Club is set to open in Manchester this November until February.Imagine a pint or two in this curling haven in Manchester this year.Credit: Justin De Souza
Now, Manchester’s latest activity bar destination is bringing its charm and competitiveness to Manchester for the first time ever, hoping to emulate the success of its capital predecessor while encouraging people to pick up the sport.
Just like the original London location, their Manc site will feature the iconic custom-built lanes and sustainably-made granite stones, which are set to improve your precision and control – fancy that.
We’re sure will still somehow manage to be the worst players in the room at any given time.
If that wasn’t enough curling expertise for you, there will also be on-site coaches helping guests perfect their technique and providing some top-notch advice.
There will even be an exclusive appearance from Olympic gold medallist Eve Muirhead and Team GB’s ‘Chef de Mission’, Mark England, who will be hosting select events across the two cities.
Manchester can expect a similar curling set-up this year.The glitter-ball dancers ready and waiting for this wintertime.Credit: Justin De Souza
New Jackson will be the ultimate backdrop for this innovative winter experience as the venue will be curating seasonal cocktails as well as being home to live DJS, glitter-ball dancers and some seriously good food.
You had us at booze and scran.
Keep this seasonal site in mind as they’re already marking themselves as a destination for work parties, events, group outings and Christmas party celebrations.
Trevor Bowers, Chairman of The Curling Club, said of the impending opening: “With this expansion and other plans, we’re accelerating our national rollout – all while staying focused on delivering exceptional, high-quality experiences for both guests and corporate clients during the winter season.”
Danny Jones -
8th August 2023 
