Manchester United Forced to Change to Black Third Kit for Champions League Home Leg Due to Atletico Goalkeeper Kit Clash

Feb 20, 2026

by Chris

1.8K views

Kit Clash: Manchester United Women had to switch to their black third kit for their Champions League home leg against Atletico Madrid due to a kit clash.
Atletico's Mistake: Atletico Madrid brought only an orange goalkeeper kit, instead of the approved yellow one, causing a conflict with United's red outfield jerseys.
Home Team Responsibility: UEFA Champions League rules put the onus on the home team, Manchester United, to resolve kit clashes, leading to their kit change.

Manchester United Women wore their black third kit instead of the traditional red for Thursday night's UEFA Champions League play-off second leg against Atletico Madrid at the Progress with Unity Stadium in Leigh, following a late kit change requested by match officials.

Atletico Madrid Brought the Wrong Keeper Kit

United were preparing to wear red shirts, black shorts, and black socks in front of their home supporters before the issue arose during the morning's matchday meeting. Atletico Madrid traveled to Manchester with only an orange goalkeeper kit instead of the originally approved yellow, which officials deemed clashed with United's red outfield jerseys.

Despite the error originating with the away team, UEFA Champions League competition regulations stipulate that the home team bears responsibility for providing a solution to kit conflicts. Marc Skinner's side therefore, took the field in their black alternative strip.