Leigh, England – Manchester United Women will accept to the pitch in their black third kit tonight when they face Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final playoff. The unexpected change, confirmed just hours before kickoff, stems from a kit clash involving the Spanish side’s goalkeeper shirt and United’s traditional red home strip.
The situation unfolded after match officials determined that Atletico Madrid’s orange goalkeeper shirt conflicted with the hosts’ red outfield attire. While a yellow shirt had initially been approved for the Atletico keeper, a spokesperson for the Spanish club stated that United had uploaded confirmation to the UEFA app approving the orange shirt, with both clubs in agreement. Yet, upon visual inspection at the Progress With Unity Stadium, officials deemed the combination unacceptable, requiring a kit change. Competition regulations place the responsibility for resolving such clashes on the home team, leading to United’s decision to wear their alternate black kit.
United will wear their all-black third kit during Thursday’s home game (Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
This isn’t the first logistical hurdle Manchester United Women have faced in this Champions League campaign. Back in September, ahead of their first-leg qualifier against SK Brann in Bergen, Norway, the team experienced a different kind of equipment mishap. Several players’ boots went missing during the trip, forcing the club to urgently purchase 15 new pairs of boots and 20 sets of shin guards from a local shop just hours before kickoff.
Dominant First Leg Sets Stage for Quarter-Final Push
The kit confusion comes on the heels of a commanding performance by United in the first leg of the playoff, securing a 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in Spain. Goals from Elisabeth Terland, Melvine Malard, and Julia Zigiotti Olme put Marc Skinner’s side in a strong position to advance to the quarter-finals, where they are slated to face Bayern Munich between March 23rd and April 1st. The Guardian reported that this would be United’s first time reaching the last eight of the competition.
Injury Concerns Ahead of Crucial Match
Despite the positive outlook, United are navigating a series of injury concerns as they prepare for tonight’s match. Swedish full-back Anna Sandberg is facing an extended period on the sidelines, potentially up to eight weeks, after sustaining a knee injury during the first leg against Atletico. Full-back Jayde Riviere is also unavailable, having been sidelined during United’s 2-1 Women’s Super League win against London City Lionesses.
Ella Toone and Leah Galton remain out with hip and back injuries, respectively. However, there is optimism surrounding the potential return of Sweden winger Fridolina Rolfo for Sunday’s FA Cup fifth-round match against Chelsea, as indicated by head coach Marc Skinner.
Skinner Celebrates Milestone Victory
Thursday’s match also marks a personal milestone for Marc Skinner, representing his 100th win as Manchester United manager. Manchester United’s official website highlighted this achievement following their first-leg victory.
Looking Ahead: Quarter-Finals and Beyond
With a significant advantage from the first leg, Manchester United Women are heavily favored to progress to the quarter-finals. The team’s ability to overcome this latest off-field distraction – the kit issue – will be a testament to their focus and resilience. Should they advance, a challenging tie against Bayern Munich awaits, promising a compelling next chapter in their Champions League journey.
The club has confirmed that, if they progress, the home leg of the quarter-final will be played at Old Trafford.
Stay tuned to time.news for continued coverage of Manchester United Women’s Champions League campaign and all the latest developments from the world of women’s football.
