If you fancy yourself a football loyalist, you would know today is a monumental day in football as England’s Manchester United and Spain’s F.C. Barcelona square off to decide who is the European champion. A time-tested Manchester United fan, I’m confident that United is bagging the silverware. However, I’m also comforted in the fact that, win or lose, the Manchester United lads will be well decked out in Sir Paul Smith’s awfully dapper light grey Prince of Wales suits.

Recently billed as the victors of the English Premiership, it was only natural that Manchester United would be in league with the iconic British designer. For the last year, Sir Smith has been at the helm of the football club’s formal wear and accessories, designing and supplying the United players, coaching staff and club officials with suits, raincoats and baggage. The union is meant to span for another two years.

On the eve of the 2009 Champions League match in Rome, the United squad and manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, were snapped alongside Sir Smith in their aplomb ensemble for the footballing fiesta. Coincidentally, United wore Sir Smith’s suits last year at the 2008 finals in Moscow and the Red Devils went on to win on penalties against Chelsea. Formulaic or not, but United are headed to Rome in Smith’s specially customized suits hoping that two times a charm pips the original idiom! Not much has changed in terms of last year’s design; the two-button suit is in a lightweight wool/mohair blend and rounded out with special red paneled lining and striped piping.

To my chagrin, Carlos Tevez had to go Michael Jackson on us and wear white socks with his dark brown brogues. Maybe he should have left that to Nani as the Portuguese winger strangely favors a young Michael Jackson! On that jovial note, do England proud lads and bring home the treble! GO UNITED!!!

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