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Dublin: 9 °C Sunday 19 May, 2013

Top 10 worst kits: Inspired by the launch of Manchester United’s gingham masterpiece

You won’t know whether to cheer Rio Ferdinand on next season or lay out a scrumptious picnic on his back.

Rio Ferdinand - Scenes from an Italian restaurant.
Rio Ferdinand - Scenes from an Italian restaurant.
Image: Credit: manutd.com

IT WAS MADE in Manchester, according to the press blurb, but United’s kit for next season will be mocked the world over.

Proudly worn by Rio Ferdinand, the new jersey ‘blends cutting-edge technology with a design inspired by the club’s rich history’.

Gingham, it seems, was first developed and produced in Manchester and will now provide the fashionable backdrop to United’s sponsor-emblazoned jerseys for the next two years.

In wedding themselves to a fashion design that is synonymous with picnic blankets and table covers in mid-priced Italian restaurants, United have taken a brave step into the abyss. The blurb continues:

The new design pays homage to the role that working-class values such as respect, hard work and responsibility have played in building a club defined by glory. The new kit truly is ‘Made of Manchester’.

A motto declaring ‘Forged in Industry’ will nestle on the inside collar of the home and away jerseys.

In tribute to the brave new dawn, we look at 10 other kits that have made a statement and offended the eyes.

Top 10 worst kits: Inspired by the launch of Manchester United’s gingham masterpiece
1 / 10
  • Jorge Campos (Mexico)

    Jorge Campos could have an entire Top 10 dedicated to him. The Mexican goalkeeper designed many of his kits. Eye-popping, luminous colours were big in the 1990s. (Matthew Ashton/EMPICS Sport)
  • Chelsea

    Long before Chelsea were threatening for Champions Leagues, Chelsea were loveable nearlymen with players such as Ruud Gullit and Gianfranco Zola. They also took to the pitch (in 1998) in this odd mix of grey and orange. (Credit: fourfourtwo.com)
  • Denver Nuggets

    The Denver Nuggets embraced the era of Super Mario and Ranbow Brite when they sported this eye-catching singlet. It looked passable in the 1980s but fans demanded an upgrade, and got it, in 1993. (Credit: bleacherreport.com)
  • Houston Astros

    The Astros looked like they were auditioning for a role in the Brady Bunch with this kitsch kit. Seen here in 1986, Houston Astros pitcher Mike Scott, center, reacts at first base after pitching a no-hitter against the San Francisco Giants. (AP Photo/Ed Kolenovsky)
  • Hull

    Before they were the subject of chuckles, thanks to Phil Brown, Hull City liked their comedy up-front and slapstick. David Norton, seen here in 1992, grimaces at the horror of it all. (Credit: whoateallthepies.tv)
  • Andre Agassi

    Andre Agassi, seen here in a Tim Tebow pose in 1990, made a name for himself as the most flamboyant character on the tennis tour. He also wore cycling shorts when not cycling. (Peter Morgan/AP)
  • Stade Francais

    Pascal Pape of Stade Francais looks embarrassed to be wearing this garish number. The French side take the prize for consistently worst rugby kits. (David Davies/PA Archive/Press Association Images)
  • Petr Cech (Chelsea)

    The logic behind this road diversion was that it would put forwards off if they saw a giant orange glow approach them at pace. Chelsea finished well off the pace in 2010 and toned down the colour. (AP Photo/Ed Kolenovsky)
  • Coventry City

    Do not adjust your brains. Coventry actually played football in this monstrosity for two seasons (1978 until 1980). (Credit: fark.com)
  • Norwich City

    Norwich beat Bayern Munich in 1993. They also wore these insults to fashion. Jeremy Goss earns forgiveness however as he scored some cracking goals that season. (Ross Kinnaird/EMPICS Sport)

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