Manchester United meet local rivals Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday with the FA Cup on the line.
There is obviously little love lost between the arch-enemies, so therfore it comes as quite the shock to see United donning City colours ahead of their huge meeting in the capital. Okay, so the suits aren’t entirely City colours, given Pep Guardiola’s men boast sky blue, while United’s cup final suits are more of a navy number.
However, in the battle of the mind games, United wearing any kind of blue certainly seems like an odd decision. City go into the game aiming to emulate a feat achieved by United back in 1999 in the form of the treble.
While the majority of the pre-match discourse will be centred around United’s efforts to thwart City’s treble, their choice of pre-match attire is almost certain to raise eyebrows.
United’s star-studded squad have already posed for photos in the Paul Smith suits. Three players who could play a vital part in Saturday’s final in Casemiro, Alejandro Garnacho and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have been pictured in the snazzy smartwear.
There is history when it comes to FA Cup final suits, with Liverpool’s ‘Spice Boys’ still the subject of light ribbing more than 25 years on from the 1996 final.
The Reds players, including the likes of Steve McManaman, Robbie Fowler and Jamie Redknapp, all donned striking all-white Armani suits before their final against United, which they went on to lose 1-0.
Sir Alex Ferguson was the manager of the Red Devils at the time and clearly has still not forgotten the fashion statement made by the Liverpool players if his recent comments are anything to go by.
The Scotsman addressed the suits while speaking to Sale Sharks before their Premiership rugby final with Saracens.
“You don’t want to lose on Saturday and I wish you all the best,” Ferguson said. “The thing is, I’m telling you, don’t wear a white suit for Christ’s sake!”
United have actually long had the same suit supplier since 2008, when Ferguson was still at the helm of the club and calling the shots.
Paul Smith have dressed United for some of their biggest games over the last 15 years, including two Champions League finals and multiple FA Cup final appearances.
United’s last FA Cup final came during the 2017/18 season, when Jose Mourinho was still in the hot-seat. They came up against what was then Antonio Conte’s Chelsea, who ran out 1-0 winners courtesy of an Eden Hazard penalty.