May 29, 1968 – forever a significant date in the history of Manchester United Football Club.
Over ten years on from the Munich Air Disaster, Sir Matt Busby’s United side won their first European Cup that night, beating Benfica 4-1 at Wembley. Sir Bobby Charlton, a survivor of the crash which claimed the lives of eight of his teammates, scored twice.
Tuesday marks the 50th anniversary of the triumph, and adidas have marked the occasion with the release of a special edition jersey.
The navy long-sleeved shirt, a darker colour than the one worn by the United team that night, comes with a gold version of the 1968 club crest. Adidas’ logo and three stripes appear in navy. The date of the 1968 final also appears on the seam underneath the shirt’s arm.
Images of the shirt, modelled above by Juan Mata, have been widely circulated across social media already and appear to be a big hit with United supporters.
Unfortunately, however, it seems not all supporters will be able to get hold of one. A limited number of the shirts has now gone on sale on the adidas website, and will set United fans back £99.95.
The release of the anniversary shirt comes weeks after the club released their new third kit – also using the same navy blue colour as a nod to the 1968 European Cup-winning team.
