Tottenham force man utd into kit change hours before europa league final

MANCHESTER UNITED WILL BE FORCED TO MAKE A KIT CHANGE FOR WEDNESDAY'S EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL AGAINST TOTTENHAM AS BOTH SIDES LOOK TO SECURE A SPOT IN NEXT SEASON'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

DANIEL ORME Trends Writer, HUSMUKH KERAI and MATHEW DAVIES Sport content editor 16:15, 21 May 2025 Manchester United are preparing for a kit change ahead of their pivotal Europa League final

against Spurs in Bilbao tonight. This match is of great importance to both Ruben Amorim and Ange Postecoglou, offering them a chance to secure silverware after challenging seasons, as well

as securing a much-desired Champions League spot for the upcoming season. Both teams have already arrived in Spain, with preparations in full swing for the eagerly awaited match. However,

United fans should brace themselves for a twist as their team will sport a different look at San Mames Stadium. Official reports confirm that Amorim's squad will be wearing black shorts

instead of their usual white, paired with their iconic red jerseys and black stockings. This change is due to Tottenham's long-standing European tradition. Article continues below

Since 1961, Tottenham have worn all-white kits in continental games, influenced by then-manager Bill Nicholson. As the 'home' side for this encounter, Tottenham get preference in

the kit department. The historic roots of Spurs' immaculate all-white strip can be traced back to Nicholson's attempts to enhance visual acuity for his players during night matches

where lighting was inadequate, reports Football London. The custom of Tottenham donning an all-white kit originally unfolded during a match against Polish side Gornik, as Spurs and Wales

legend Cliff Jones recollected. "We just turned up in the dressing room for the game and there was the all-white kit," he remembered. "No-one said anything; nothing was said

to us. We just focused on the game coming up." Ex-player Ricky George reflected on his early playing days, noting: "The all-white kit was for visibility. It was Bill Nick's

way of looking for those marginal gains. "Those nights at White Hart Lane, under the lights, were just very special." "We loved playing in all-white," Jones further

commented. "I honestly cannot say for certain it made any difference in making us see each other better under the floodlights, but we did love playing in it. European nights we felt

fresher, the air was different." Article continues below This season has seen Manchester United opting for variations in their kit. Notably, they wore black shorts during their away

draw with Real Sociedad in March — a clash that ended with honours even at 1-1 thanks to strikes from Joshua Zirkzee and Mikel Oyarzabal. United switched back to their iconic white shorts

for the rematch at Old Trafford, which may have contributed to their resounding 4-1 win, helped by a masterclass from Bruno Fernandes who claimed a hat-trick. Leaving no stone unturned,

United are determined to secure the Europa League trophy and with it, a place in the Champions League next term.