Manchester United is one of the biggest football clubs in the world, if not the biggest. They have seen unprecedented levels of success and the club’s history is one that many could only dream of.

Over nearly 150 years, United – formerly Newton Heath – has had some incredible kits, from the original green and gold to the iconic red that strikes fear in opponents to this day.

With all that history, all those trophies lifted, all the names that have given their all for the crest, there are some kits that just feel different. 

Before we go into our list, if you love your football shirts and want to add to your collection, then check out our mystery football jerseys, available in both men's and kid's sizes.

But which ones just resonate above and beyond the rest? Here are the Mystery Shirt in a Box team picks for the 10 most iconic Manchester United kits of all time.

10. 2012/13 Nike Home Shirt

Image credit: The Guardian

The subtle pattern created debate at the time, but this kit has since become iconic thanks to Sir Alex Ferguson’s final Premier League triumph. A modern favourite for fans and collectors.

Plus, who could forget that Van Persie volley against Aston Villa. Mesmerising.

 

9. 2017/18 adidas Away Shirt

Image credit: Soccer Bible

A clean, modern black away shirt with subtle white patterning that quickly became a fan favourite. 

Worn during Mourinho’s second season, there was an air of hope around Manchester United at the time. The Special One, leading the likes of Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Romelu Lukaku arriving at Old Trafford with support from emerging stars like Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard… In hindsight, maybe fans were too optimistic, but this kit really was a beauty.

8. 1992-94 Umbro Home Shirt

Image credit: Manchester United

This Premier League era classic remains one of the most popular Manchester United retro shirts to this day. The lace-up collar and Sharp sponsor make it a timeless piece for collectors, and a sweet reminder of the memories it strikes up of Eric Cantona tearing the league apart.

The 92/93 season was the first time Manchester United won the league under Sir Alex Ferguson, and they followed it up with a second consecutive win in 93/94. This kit truly heralded in a whole new era for United that absolutely nobody could have really seen coming.

 

7. 2020/21 adidas Home Shirt

Image credit: Manchester United

A minimalist, retro-inspired home kit with a crisp white collar and clean red design, blending heritage with modern style. Worn during Bruno Fernandes’ first full season with the club, it’s a standout for fans and collectors alike, and that ‘B. Fernandes 18’ print is going to be an extremely popular pick-up in years to come.

 

6. 1994-96 Umbro Third Shirt

Image credit: Classic Calcio Club

This blue and white, mixed-width-size, striped Umbro shirt is a classic third shirt from Manchester United, featuring the iconic SHARP logo in yellow, with yellow names and numbers on the reverse of the shirt to match.

This shirt was worn as Manchester United picked up the Premiership trophy in 1996, lifting it away at Middlesborough's Riverside Stadium.

 

5. 2008/09 Nike Home Shirt

Image credit: Manchester United

The 2008/09 Manchester United side was one of the greatest in the club’s history. A third consecutive Premier League title – the second time in a decade – was an historic achievement, off the back of some incredible defensive displays, Berbatov’s memorable first touches, and Ronaldo’s continued rise.

It’s no surprise that this kit maintains high interest and strong retro resale value: fans associate it with peak United and a squad packed with world-class talent.

The 2007–09 home kit is widely regarded as one of the most iconic modern Manchester United shirts, thanks to the triumph it represents. 

Worn during the club’s unforgettable Champions League victory in Moscow, this design instantly recalls Cristiano Ronaldo’s explosive rise to become the best footballer in the world, the drama of that penalty shootout, and one of the greatest seasons in the club’s history.

 

 

4. 1967-69 Home Shirt

Image credit: The Independent

Simple, sponsor-free, and historically significant. There’s not much to it at first glance, but this shirt represents Manchester United’s first European Cup win and is one of the most iconic football kits ever worn at Old Trafford.

Just a decade after the Munich Air Disaster, which killed 23 people, including eight Manchester United players and three club staff members, this was proof for fans of the club and residents of the city that nothing is impossible and that things could get better.

 

3. 1998-2000 Umbro Home Shirt

Image credit: The Times

The kit of the greatest season in club history. The 1998–99 home shirt instantly evokes memories of Solskjær in the Champions League final and United’s unforgettable treble.

Camp Nou has seen some real magic over the years, but what the Red Devils achieved that night is just about as extraordinary as it gets.

 

2. 1990-92 adidas Away Shirt

Image credit: Daily Mail

Inarguably one of the most famous football shirts of the ’90s. The bold all-over pattern makes this United kit a retro grail piece for fans and collectors alike.

It has been reimagined in recent years, but nothing quite captures the spark that this kit ignites in United fans when they see it.

 

1. 1992-94 Umbro Away

Image credit: Daily Record

No Manchester United kit is more iconic. 

Inspired by Newton Heath, the green-and-gold half-and-half design showcases the club and the city’s heritage, identity, and has become one of the most collectible shirts in football culture. They are the colours that United fans trail across the city to this day when they protest, and a reminder of their roots.

Whether you are a Manchester United fan or lover of all things football shirts, check out our mystery shirts in a box today.