Tottenham force Man United into major kit change for the Europa League final due to 64-year-old tradition

 

Tottenham Hotspur’s adherence to a 64-year-old tradition has prompted a significant kit change for Manchester United in the 2025 Europa League final, held on May 21 at Bilbao’s San Mamés stadium. As the designated home team, Tottenham will don their iconic all-white kit, a practice initiated in 1961 by legendary manager Bill Nicholson.

 The tradition began to enhance player visibility under dim floodlights during European matches, a decision that has since become a hallmark of Spurs’ identity in continental competitions. UEFA regulations, which prohibit teams from wearing identical or similar colored shirts, shorts, or socks, have forced Manchester United to adapt their usual red shirts, white shorts, and black socks combination.

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Instead, United will wear red shirts paired with black shorts and black socks, a combination they’ve used twice this season: a 1-1 Europa League draw against Real Sociedad and a 2-2 Premier League draw at Everton. This adjustment ensures a clear visual distinction between the two teams, adhering to UEFA’s strict kit clash rules. The change underscores the significance of Tottenham’s tradition, which has been upheld in European finals and key matches since its inception, symbolizing the club’s storied history.

The final pits two Premier League giants against each other, with Tottenham aiming to leverage their home team status and United seeking to reclaim European glory. The kit switch adds an intriguing subplot to the matchup, highlighting how historical traditions can influence modern football logistics. Fans are eager to see how United adapt to the change and whether Tottenham’s all-white kit will inspire them to victory in this high-stakes encounter under the Bilbao lights.