The 2017-18 Manchester United kit collection, produced by Adidas, features a classic red home jersey with a minimalist henley collar, a black "snowflake" pattern away jersey inspired by the early 90s, and a fan-designed silver-grey third kit. These kits represent the second season of the Jose Mourinho era and remain highly sought-after by collectors in 2026 for their blend of modern performance technology and historical tributes.
Historical Context: The 2017-18 Season
To understand the significance of the 2017-18 Manchester United kits, one must look at the state of the club during that period. Following a successful 2016-17 campaign that saw the Red Devils secure the UEFA Europa League and the EFL Cup, expectations were high. The 2017-18 season was characterized by the arrival of Romelu Lukaku and the mid-season signing of Alexis Sánchez, with the team eventually finishing second in the Premier League—their highest finish since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson at that time.
Adidas, in the third year of its massive ten-year deal with United, sought to balance the club's rich heritage with cutting-edge sportswear innovation. The kits released for this season were designed to resonate with both older fans who remembered the iconic designs of the late 80s and early 90s, and a new generation of global supporters.
The Home Kit: Simplicity and Elegance
The 2017-18 home kit was a departure from the "half-and-half" vertical design of the previous season. Adidas opted for a clean, sophisticated look that emphasized the traditional "Red Devil" identity.
Design Features
The primary color was a vibrant "Real Red," accented by the classic Adidas three stripes in white, located on the shoulders rather than the sides. The most distinctive feature of the home shirt was the collar—a buttoned henley neck that provided a lifestyle-crossover appeal. The sleeves featured "flat knit" cuffs in black and white, a subtle nod to the flags often seen on the Stretford End.
The Chevrolet sponsor logo, a prominent gold and silver bowtie, remained a central (and sometimes polarizing) element of the chest design. While some fans felt the logo was too large, the overall cleanliness of the 2017-18 shirt helped balance the visual weight of the sponsor.
Materials and Technology
In 2017-18, Adidas offered two versions of the kit: the Adizero (player version) and the Climacool (replica version).
- Adizero: This version was engineered for professional performance. It featured a lightweight, breathable fabric and a heat-applied club crest to reduce weight and friction against the skin. The fit was significantly more athletic (slim-fit).
- Climacool: Designed for fans, this version used a slightly heavier, more durable fabric with moisture-wicking properties. The club crest and Adidas logo were embroidered rather than heat-pressed, offering more longevity for casual wear.
The Away Kit: A Tribute to the "Snowflake" Era
The 2017-18 away kit is widely regarded as one of the best Manchester United alternate jerseys of the Adidas era. It drew direct inspiration from the 1990-1992 away kit, famously known as the "snowflake" or "aztec" pattern.
The Graphic Pattern
The kit was predominantly black with a "granite" grey graphic pattern across the front. This pattern was a modern reinterpretation of the geometric design worn by legends like Ryan Giggs and Bryan Robson during the early 90s. By using a monochrome palette, Adidas managed to make a busy, retro pattern look sleek and contemporary.
Cultural Impact
This kit was heavily marketed through collaborations with music icons and influencers, bridging the gap between football and street culture. In 2026, this specific jersey remains a "grail" for many collectors because it represents the successful execution of the "retro-modern" trend that dominated football shirt design in the late 2010s.
The Third Kit: Power to the Fans
The 2017-18 third kit was historic because its design was partially crowdsourced through the Adidas Creator Studio. Fans from around the world submitted designs, and the winning entry was selected by a panel of club legends and Adidas designers.
The United Trinity
The kit featured a light silver-grey base with a subtle graphic on the lower half of the shirt. This graphic depicted the "United Trinity" statue—Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best, and Denis Law—which stands outside Old Trafford. The inclusion of the statue was a poignant tribute to the club’s history and its "Holy Trinity" of European Cup winners.
Technical Risks with Grey
Historically, Manchester United has had a complicated relationship with grey kits, most notably the 1995-96 kit that Sir Alex Ferguson famously ordered the players to change out of at half-time because they "couldn't see each other." However, the 2017-18 version avoided these pitfalls by using a much lighter, more reflective silver-grey and contrasting it with solid grey cuffs and a crew neck collar.
Comparison of the 2017-18 Kit Collection
The following table breaks down the technical and aesthetic differences between the three primary kits used during the 2017-18 season.
| Feature | Home Kit | Away Kit | Third Kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Color | Real Red | Black | Silver / Light Grey |
| Secondary Colors | White / Black | White / Granite | Dark Grey / White |
| Collar Style | Two-button Henley | Crew Neck | Crew Neck |
| Inspiration | Classic 1950s minimalism | 1990-92 Away "Snowflake" | Fan-designed / United Trinity |
| Logo Style | Embroidered (Replica) | Embroidered (Replica) | Embroidered (Replica) |
| Sponsor | Chevrolet | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Primary Usage | Old Trafford matches | Premier League / UCL Away | European Away matches |
Identifying Authentic 2017-18 Kits in 2026
As the market for "vintage" football shirts grows, distinguishing between an original 2017 Adidas production and a modern "retro" remake or a counterfeit is essential for collectors.
- Product Codes: Every authentic Adidas shirt has a small internal tag with a six-digit alphanumeric code. For the 2017-18 home shirt, the code is typically BS1214. If this code does not match the specific kit style when searched, the item is likely not an original period production.
- The Badge Construction: On replica (Climacool) versions, the Manchester United crest should be densely embroidered with sharp details on the "Red Devil." On authentic (Adizero) versions, the crest is a thin, screen-printed or heat-bonded material that feels smooth to the touch.
- Fabric Texture: Adidas kits from 2017 used a specific "pique" style knit for the home shirt. If the fabric feels overly shiny or "plasticky," it may be a low-quality reproduction.
- The Chevrolet Logo: On authentic kits, the sponsor logo is a multi-layered heat transfer with a distinct texture on the gold sections. Counterfeits often have a flat, single-layer print that peels easily.
The Collector’s Market in 2026
In the current 2026 market, the 2017-18 kits have seen a steady increase in valuation. While they are not yet as expensive as the 1990s originals, their status as the peak of the Mourinho-era aesthetic makes them desirable.
- Home Kit Value: Generally the most common, but versions with "Zlatan 10" or "Pogba 6" printing in the original Premier League font command a premium.
- Away Kit Value: This is the most valuable of the three. Due to its popularity as a fashion item, high-quality "Mint" or "New With Tags" (NWT) versions often sell for double their original retail price.
- Third Kit Value: Its unique status as a fan-designed kit makes it a niche favorite. It is particularly valued by those who appreciate the "United Trinity" graphic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main sponsor on the 2017-18 Manchester United kit?
The main shirt sponsor was Chevrolet. This was part of a seven-year agreement that began in 2014. The 2017-18 season also saw the continued presence of Kohler as a sleeve sponsor for some competitions, though the primary focus remained on the central Chevrolet bowtie.
Did Manchester United win any trophies in the 2017-18 kits?
Manchester United did not win a major trophy during the 2017-18 season. They finished as runners-up in both the Premier League and the FA Cup (losing the final to Chelsea). However, the kits are associated with several memorable victories, including a dramatic 3-2 comeback against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
How do I wash a 2017-18 Manchester United jersey to preserve it?
To maintain the integrity of the heat-pressed sponsor and the fabric, you should wash the jersey inside out on a cold, delicate cycle. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can break down the adhesives used for the logos. Always air dry the shirt; never use a tumble dryer, as the heat will cause the Chevrolet logo and name-sets to crack or peel.
Is there a difference between the "Player Version" and "Fan Version"?
Yes. The player version (Adizero) is designed for high-intensity sport, featuring a slimmer fit, lighter fabric, and heat-pressed logos to prevent chafing. The fan version (Climacool) is designed for durability and comfort, with a more relaxed fit and embroidered badges that withstand frequent washing better than the player-issue versions.
Why is the 2017-18 away kit so popular among collectors?
The 2017-18 away kit is popular primarily because of nostalgia. By re-imagining the iconic 1990-92 "snowflake" pattern in a modern black and white colorway, Adidas created a jersey that looks as good in a casual street setting as it does on the pitch. It is often cited as a turning point where football kits began to be designed with significant "lifestyle" crossover intent.
Final Recommendation for Buyers
If you are looking to purchase a 2017-18 Manchester United kit in 2026, prioritize the away kit for long-term investment value or the home kit for a classic, wearable piece of club history. Always verify the internal product codes and check the condition of the Chevrolet sponsor logo, as it is the most common point of failure on these specific jerseys. For those who value unique club history, the fan-designed third kit offers a rare connection between the supporters and the official kit-design process that has rarely been repeated since.
