MUFC have released their home kit for the 25/26 campaign. There is always a buzz around these new launches as it is something different and signals the start of something new.
And boy do we need a new start.
Other than incomings and outgoings, the new kit/s are always a hype however, with United, we already knew what the kit would look like due to the leaks which at this point, is no surprise with our club.
I think the first images of the new kit came out a couple of months ago and here we are, those images proved to be true. Even the away and third kits have been leaked so that won't be as hyped up for because we already know what it's going to look like.
This home kit in particular, I would rate a 6.5/10. Not amazing but not terrible. I think that last season's home kit was better and the 23/24 home jersey was even better still.
But no doubt these (home, away, third and goalkeeper) kits will get sold like there's no tomorrow. I'm sure some have already placed their orders.
I'll get into why it's a problem in a bit but I just want to give my thoughts about the kit, if you would.
I only like to buy kits if they look good and whether or not the team perform while wearing it. They are also quite expensive and remain so throughout it's lifespan.
The new kit for adults is starting at £85 which for us in South Africa will come to R2000. You then have to pay taxes and customs so that total will increase further.
R2000 for a kit that we could fight relegation with 😂😭.
And this is where the problem comes in.
Considering not only where we're at as a team but as a club, we are a fair reflection of that shitshow we see on the pitch. The club is in turmoil from top to bottom and as we've known with the Glazers in particular, they are all about the money. The fact that Sir Jim Glazer err, Ratcliffe 😅, kept the American owners on board, he too falls into this greed.
£85! 🤯
But despite all of this and being upset with that crap team and being upset with the way the club is run and being upset with the owners being more money-driven rather than football-driven, people will still buy the kits.
Like I said, I'm sure some already have them. The Glazers and Sir Jim then win.
We complain about all these things and yet do what they want anyway. What's the point?
This is what I can't understand because the best way to get rid of the owners is through the pockets but we continue to fill it up. We buy kits, tickets, season tickets, go on stadium tours, and buy merchandise with that badge on it. Some of the money there probably goes to the owners.
They win again.
Protests are great but when they still flood the stadium after then why protest at all?
The best example of how to do it right was when the Super League was announced. United along with several of Europe's other major clubs including Liverpool were part of a competition that would see the best of the best compete across the world in what would have been a glorified international cup like they play during pre-season.
Fans of all clubs (involved in this Super League or not) were outraged as it took away from proper competition and what football was all about.
There were many protests and campaigns to stop this Super League with one in particular at Old Trafford doing the business.
In May of 2021 still during the COVID pandemic, the two great rivals of England were due to play each other but due to these protests of which a couple hundred fans got onto the pitch inside Old Trafford, the match had to be postponed.
This was the first time a Premier League match had been postponed due to fans.
The Glazers then apologized, then executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward resigned, there was more of an engagement with fans (although that isn't the best) and potentially signing new players to make fans happy after such a debacle.
While it didn't lead to what we ultimately wanted - a full Glazer sale - the fact that they came out and made a public appearance was something because that was very rare, and of course, selling a portion of United to INEOS.
Some of these things may have been planned anyway but I do believe such a large and powerful protest could've triggered it.
This proves as an example of what can happen should we band together instead of being at each other all the time. This example of unity and affecting the owners where we needed to most made such a difference.
Continuing to buy the kits and merchandise will just let them get away with things again.
I know that most people will still buy the kits but if you see this, please try to refrain because it will make a difference, even a small one.
Matheus Cunha in the new Man Utd home kit | Image via Manchester United