The eye-watering true cost of Manchester United's new kit
Manchester United have come under fire from their own fans after the total cost of the club’s new kit was revealed to be nearly £200.
United and manufacturers adidas stand accused of exploiting supporters after the launch on Tuesday, mainly thanks to their controversial ‘authentic’ offering.
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Twitter has been awash with outcry and calls for a boycott after supporters did their sums – and they found out the overall cost of being a superfan.
Rooted in 🔴👕🔴⁰
Our new @adidasfootball home kit, inspired by our origins. 🚃⁰
Get yours now: https://t.co/kcB44JjShY #HereToCreate #MUFC pic.twitter.com/ZcHXeTUo7J— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 17, 2018
They must pay nearly £110 for the shirt with ‘climachill technology’ with the standard replica shirt £64.95.
What is more jaw-dropping is the cost of the authentic extras – as well as how much junior kits will set angry parents back.
@ManUtd on what planet do you think it’s acceptable to charge parents over £100 for a football kit for a 7 year old! It’s absolute daylight robbery. You know kids want it so parents will buy it. And you don’t give a toss. Absolute disgrace! No respect or thought for the fans!
— Paul Tyerman (@ptyerman) July 18, 2018
Adult shorts will set fans back a staggering £42.95, with socks selling for an eye-watering £29.95.
Should the Old Trafford faithful want to also personalise their kit with their favourite players’ name and number, then going the whole hog with cost £193. Best get saving now.
United have been testing fans’ patience for some time, selling one of the most expensive kits anywhere in the world for the past two decades.
Many have vented their anger of twitter, accusing the Red Devils of being out of touch.
Just seen the new United kit costs £183. An absolute disgrace. But fans are stupid enough to buy them, so it will only get worse. £30 for a pair of socks 😂😂 Hang your heads in shame @ManUtd
— Ross Broadhurst (@ross_broady) July 17, 2018
One fan told United to “hang their heads in shame” and fears if people buy at this price, then things will only get worse.
Another said he felt more removed than ever from the club he has always supported after discovering the cost.
If you have a fast-growing child who always wants the latest shirt then the news gets worse.
Anger is being felt by parents as well as adult fans, who face having to shell out to keep their children happy and up-to-date with what their heroes are wearing.
@ManUtd if that kit doing the rounds is correct, with those shorts and socks then I’m one more step removed from the club I’ve been watching since 1979.
Disgrace— KevtheRed (@Kstandutd) July 14, 2018
A full child’s kit will set you back well over £90 – with the junior shirt alone just shy of £50.
Justine Roberts, the founder and chief executive of parenting site mumsnet, says things need to change.
She said: “Every season football clubs seem to push the prices of junior kits upwards. Parents love seeing their kids enjoying football, but the price of their children’s fandom is too steep for many parents.”
United defended the pricing, saying it is set by retailers and are in line with kits from other top European clubs.