Manchester United will have to swap out their usual kit for the upcoming UEFA Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, owing to a 64-year-old Spurs tradition that remains deeply embedded in the club’s European heritage.
The highly anticipated final, set to take place on May 21 in Bilbao, Spain, marks just the third all-English showdown in the history of the competition—originally known as the UEFA Cup before its rebranding. United and Spurs earned their places in the final by overcoming Athletic Bilbao and Bodo/Glimt, respectively, in the semi-finals.
The stakes could not be higher. With both teams sitting near the bottom half of the Premier League table—United in 15th and Spurs in 16th—this final represents their only opportunity to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League. The winner secures a coveted spot in Europe’s top-tier competition, while the loser will miss out on European football altogether.
Ordinarily in domestic matches, both teams are permitted to wear their traditional home kits, even though United sport white shorts and Spurs don white shirts. Under Premier League regulations, that combination doesn’t constitute a significant kit clash. However, things are different on the European stage.
Tottenham, as the designated “home” team for the final, have the right to select their kit first—and they are expected to wear their iconic all-white European strip. This look has become a symbolic part of Spurs’ identity in continental competitions, a tradition that began back in the 1960/61 season under legendary manager Bill Nicholson.
While many believe the decision to switch to an all-white kit was inspired by the dominance and style of Real Madrid—who famously wore all white—there was a more functional reason behind the change. According to the club’s official website, Nicholson was concerned about the visibility issues caused by the old floodlighting systems, which were much dimmer than today’s stadium lights. Spurs’ then-standard kit of a white shirt and navy shorts made it difficult for players to spot teammates during evening matches. To solve this, Nicholson opted for an all-white kit, improving visibility and, he hoped, performance.
The first time Spurs wore the now-trademark European strip was in 1961 during a match against Polish side Gornik Zabrze. That fixture was also Spurs’ debut appearance in European competition, following their historic league and FA Cup double win earlier that year.
Now, more than six decades later, Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham will look to draw inspiration from that heritage as they aim to claim their first major trophy since winning the League Cup in 2008. Postecoglou will be banking on the power of tradition—and perhaps the psychological boost of the all-white kit—to help his side rise to the occasion in Bilbao.
Former Spurs winger Cliff Jones once spoke fondly of the switch to white shorts for European games, saying: “We did love playing in it. On those European nights, we felt fresher, the air was different.” That sentiment has clearly endured, influencing kit decisions even in the modern era.
As for Manchester United, the consequence of Spurs’ kit preference means they will likely don an all-navy blue ensemble for the final. While not their traditional look, United will be focused on delivering a memorable end to Ruben Amorim’s first season at the helm. A Europa League triumph would not only salvage their campaign but also signal a new dawn under the Portuguese manager.
In a final rich with history, rivalry, and significance, even the kits tell a story. And on May 21, tradition could play as much a role as tactics and talent in determining who walks away with the trophy—and a ticket back to Europe’s biggest stage.
