Manchester United’s 2013/14 home kit doesn’t just look good: it’s also designed to give the Reds the best chance of victory on the pitch.

In fact, Nike boast it’s their most technologically-advanced and environmentally-friendly kit yet. Here’s what they have to say about the new shirt, which is available now to pre-order from United Direct. You can also click on the main image above to launch images of the kit in close-up detail...

Recycled Polyester
The kit continues to be made from Nike’s revolutionary recycled polyester, which reflects Nike’s commitment to producing athletic wear with a low environmental impact. The shirt and shorts of each kit are made from up to 13 recycled plastic water bottles. This pioneering process, in which plastic bottles are melted down into a yarn that is then spun into recycled polyester, reduces energy consumption by up to 30 per cent compared to manufacturing polyester. Since 2010, Nike has diverted more than 1.1 billion plastic bottles from landfills through use of recycled polyester.

Fabric and Nike Dri-Fit
The kit is made of fabric weighing just 150 grams, which is 23 per cent lighter than previous Nike kits. It also boasts a 20 per cent stronger knit structure and a significantly improved stretch. The fabric is integrated with Nike Dri-Fit technology, which draws away sweat from the body to keep players cool and dry. There are also updated and improved ventilation zones consisting of tiny laser-cut holes on both sides of the shirt and on the waistband of the shorts, as well as a mesh across the entire back of the shirt to allow more air inside the kit for additional comfort and cooling.

Innovation underpins kit

Fit and construction
The kit also has a more athletic and dynamic fit after Nike embarked on an innovative programme of 3D body-scanning some of the world’s leading footballers to produce a design more tailored to the contours of athletes’ bodies. It has been crafted with bonded T-bars at the junctions of the shirts to support the seams and inner welded seams with a clean finish to give a more striking appearance and increase comfort and performance.

Nike Pro Combat
To complete the ultimate playing uniform for modern football, Nike Pro Combat apparel provides a base layer underneath the matchday kit that offers players greater comfort and impact protection. The Nike Pro Combat range of long and short-sleeve tops feature sweat-wicking fabric that allows players to keep either cool and dry in hot conditions, or warm and dry when the weather’s cold. Meanwhile, the slider shorts feature extra padding and thigh protection to absorb impact so players can go to ground and tackle with greater confidence.