Season 1982/83
original illustrations of the kits worn during the season


The Season in brief

United, with the addition of Arnie Muhren, were involved in the title race throughout the season, as well as reaching the Finals of both League and F.A. Cups. The highlight of the League Cup run was undoubtedly the 4-2 win at Highbury in the semi final first leg. In extra time in the Final, against Liverpool, Gordon McQueen, injured and playing on the wing, was outrageously fouled by Bruce Grobbelaar. Liverpool won 2-1. United also met Arsenal in the F.A. Cup semi finals, winning 2-1 at Villa Park. In the Final they were held 2-2 by Brighton before a comfortable 4-0 victory in the replay.

In the League, United lost just one of their opening eleven games and led the table. Three defeats in four games saw the side drop to fifth and they were never quite able to pressure leaders Liverpool and Ipswich Town and again finished in third.

United's keepers wore the same shorts and socks as the outfield players in the majority of games. In the League Cup semi-final against Arsenal at Old Trafford, Gary Bailey wore a white shirt to avoid clashing with Arsenal's green change kit. Many thanks to Sean Moran for identifying this kit. We know there was no adidas logo on the shirt but it did have a black patch on the left, which may have been the club badge on a black background. Contributor 'Spinacre' has confirmed that Gary Bailey wore the blue change shirt in the League game against Arsenal at Old Trafford.

All three kits for the 1982/83 season featured a sponsors logo for the first time although plain shirts were worn for televised games. Customers buying replica kits had to pay an extra £1 if they wanted the logos printed on their shirts.