Man Utd WSL Team Forced to Wear Third Kit at Home After Mix-Up
Manchester United Women will don their black third kit during a crucial match against Atletico Madrid. This decision comes as a result of a kit clash ahead of their Champions League quarter-final playoff second leg on Thursday evening.
Unexpected Kit Change Due to Clashing Colors
Match officials mandated the change just five hours prior to kick-off. They found that the orange goalkeeper shirt brought by Atletico Madrid clashed with Manchester United’s traditional red shirts. Initially, Atletico had agreed to use a yellow goalkeeper shirt, as per UEFA protocol.
Confirmation and Coordination Issues
- Both teams had previously approved their kits via the UEFA app.
- Atletico did not bring their yellow shirt, believing the orange was acceptable.
- Match officials deemed a kit change essential upon arrival.
Consequently, United’s players will wear their newly designated black third kit for this home match, displaying their commitment to maintaining professionalism even in unexpected situations.
Recent Challenges in Champions League Campaign
This incident is not isolated, as Manchester United Women have experienced various kit-related issues during their Champions League journey this season. Last September, before a match against SK Brann, the team faced a crisis when numerous pairs of players’ boots went missing. This led to an urgent dash to a local store, where they purchased 15 replacement pairs and 20 sets of shin guards shortly before kickoff.
Team Performance and Upcoming Matches
In their recent encounter with Atletico Madrid, United secured a 3-0 victory in the first leg, courtesy of goals from Elisabeth Terland, Melvine Malard, and Julia Zigiotti Olme. This win positions them advantageously for the return leg, where success could lead to a matchup against Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.
Player Availability and Injuries
Manchester United will be without several key players for the second leg:
- Anna Sandberg – Knee injury (out for up to eight weeks)
- Jayde Riviere – Early exit during a WSL match
- Ella Toone – Hip injury
- Leah Galton – Back injury
Head coach Marc Skinner indicated that Sweden winger Fridolina Rolfo may return for the FA Cup fifth-round match against Chelsea on Sunday. As the team adjusts to these challenges, they remain focused on securing their place in the next round.
