Manchester United’s players have had their suits tailored ahead of the upcoming FA Cup final this weekend. Erik ten Hag’s team is set to confront their arch-rivals Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday afternoon in the highly anticipated event, aiming to conclude a challenging season on a positive note. Securing a victory would also guarantee European football for the Red Devils after their disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League.

 The club recently shared images of the squad donning their specially crafted suits by Paul Smith, each reportedly valued at £1,000. Among those seen trying out the new attire were Diogo Dalot, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, Lisandro Martinez, Amad Diallo, Mason Mount, and Victor Lindelof.

This ritual of suit fittings for FA Cup finalists is a longstanding tradition in English football, although it’s not always observed. One of the most memorable instances involved Manchester United before the 1996 FA Cup final against Liverpool. On that occasion, Liverpool’s squad, famously dubbed ‘the Spice Boys’, attracted attention by arriving in cream-colored Armani suits, extravagant striped ties, and white Gucci shoes. Sir Alex Ferguson, United’s manager at the time, later expressed his disdain for their attire, deeming it “ridiculous” and contrasting it with the dignity he expected from a club with Liverpool’s history and stature.

Looking back at this year’s journey to the final, United overcame teams like Wigan, Newport County, Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, and Coventry City, while City advanced by defeating Huddersfield, Tottenham, Luton, Newcastle, and Chelsea. As anticipation builds for the clash at Wembley, both teams are preparing to leave a mark in this storied competition.