The Season Has Finally Begun ...

The 2010/11 campaign for Manchester United officially began a few days ago with the first preseason match vs Glasgow Celtic that took place in Toronto's Rogers Centre.  It was the first leg of their North American Tour following their arrival in Chicago for training and the official launch of the new 2010/11 Home Kit.
The match results were typical for preseason as the regulars were given some time to regain their fitness levels and many of the youngsters were also given run-outs to try and prove that they are ready.  It was an entertaining match, as exciting as a preseason match can be, with United coming out victors 3-1 (Berbatov, Welbeck, Cleverly) and there some impressive showings by a few players, such as newly acquired Chris Smalling who despite giving up the penalty showed a lot of promise.  I could go on about the match however I lack the needed analytical skills sufficient to satisfy myself and those football supporters who may read this.  Will leave the breakdown to others with more knowledge and expertise.

Would really like to focus the rest of my post on the new home kit and the mixed reviews I've heard and read about it.  Here's a video (see above) that tries to capture the spirit that the players need for preseason and during the long season where we'll attempt to regain what's ours from Chelsea, the Barclay's Premier League Trophy.  I like the new look, especially the retro look with the collar.  This season begins the first year with a new sponsor Aon (as anything related to AIG just brings a negative image to the club).  Granted Aon is another American sponsor that the hated American owners, the Glazers, negotiated with however if I remember correctly the last time we changed shirt sponsors the following season we regained the league trophy back from Chelsea.  Can history repeat itself?  United always likes to set a new precedent and remake history, so it won't surprise if it's repeated in 2010/11.

There are many supporters that refuse to buy any merchandise as they feel the money will line the pockets of our greedy owners instead of being directly used to enhance the club.  According to BBC report: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1005794.stm the club receive a set fee from Nike each year regardless of total shirt sales.  So, with this one argument will not purchasing the new kit influence the Glazers' departure, probably not.  Now as many will say and as Tim Ashmore concludes in his blog http://unitedkits.blogspot.com/ that "boycotting shirts will have any effect at all other than to save the would-be customer £40 or so. Ultimately, do what you think is best for your club and for yourself."  On that note is where I stand, everyone will make their own decision but ultimately we all want Manchester United Football Club to succeed on the pitch bringing home as much silverware as possible furthering our already legendary status as the Greatest Football Club in the World.

While I agree with almost all of the arguments and can understand/accept their opinions of boycotting the new kit, I personally hope to purchase one myself as I really fancy the new look.  Currently in my possession are three kits, the every-unpopular 2005/06 blue away, the 2007/08 black away, and the "Inspired by Greatness" 2008/09 blue third kit.  It's been awhile since my last purchase and I'd love to have another one to wear on match days besides the oversized 08/09 kit I've worn the last two seasons.