Next
season, FA Premier League Champions Manchester United will play in a new home
kit inspired by elements of the club’s successful history and the city’s
industrial heritage.
The
United home shirt features the return of the black collar, worn upturned with
such brilliance by Eric Cantona during the club's champion run of the 1990s.
Underneath
the collar is a subtle tonal grey-and black-gingham check, first used on last
season's home shirt. The check represents Manchester’s industrial past,
referencing the city’s cotton mills of the 18th century, which once produced
the classic check fabric.
The
tailored collar, with three buttons at the front and one at the back,
represents the city's sense of style. Two side vents at the hem of the shirt
feature the same tonal black-and-grey gingham check that is found under the
collar.
The
new home shorts are white with a thin black stripe on the hem of the back. The
home socks are black with a white stripe bound by two red stripes, and the
traditional United bar scarf design appears on the back of the sock.
The
kit showcases Nike’s belief in style, craft and pride while aiding the
performance of players with key technological features.
RECYCLED
POLYESTER
·
The
kit is made from recycled polyester as part of Nike’s commitment to produce
performance apparel with reduced environmental impact. The shirt and shorts of
each kit are made from up to thirteen recycled plastic water bottles.
·
In
the pioneering process, plastic bottles are chopped into flakes, then melted
down to form yarn that is spun into fabric, reducing energy consumption by up
to 30 percent compared to manufacturing virgin polyester.
·
Since
2010, Nike has diverted more than 1.1 billion plastic bottles from landfill
through the use of recycled polyester.
FABRIC
AND NIKE DRI-FIT
·
The
kit weighs just 150 grams, 23 percent lighter than previous Nike kits. It also
boasts a 20 percent stronger knit structure and significantly improved stretch.
·
The
fabric uses Nike Dri-FIT technology to draw sweat away from the body through
the fabric where it can evaporate, to keep players cool and dry.
·
Ventilation
zones, consisting of tiny laser-cut holes, feature under the arms on both
sides, as well as at the shorts waistband, to allow additional comfort and
cooling. A mesh panel across the entire back increases air circulation.
FIT
AND CONSTRUCTION
·
The
shirt has been crafted with bonded T-bars to support the seams at key points
and inner welded seams with a clean finish to give a more striking appearance,
while also increasing comfort and performance.
NIKE
PRO COMBAT
·
To
complete the ultimate playing uniform for modern football, Nike Pro Combat
baselayer is supplied to be worn underneath the match-day kit, offering players
greater comfort and impact protection.
·
The
Nike Pro Combat range of long-sleeve and short-sleeve tops made of
sweat-wicking fabric allows players to keep cool and dry in hot conditions, and
warm and dry when the weather becomes cold. The slider shorts feature extra
padding and thigh protection to absorb impact so players can go to ground and
tackle with greater confidence.
