CAN’T EVEN GET THE BOOTS RIGHT

Manchester coat of arms, white shirt and a red club tie – had to be put back on the hangers when it was discovered that an order had not been signed off for the shoes.

It meant that United’s youngsters had to make do with their club tracksuits for the visit to Carrow Road.

But it didn’t have an effect on their performance, as the Reds moved into the fifth round with a 2-0 win.

Insiders believe, though, that it’s just another example of how things have been allowed to slide at Old Trafford.

United players and officials – from the first team down – have been required to look the part on away days by wearing their club blazer since the days of Sir Matt Busby.

A source at United said: “The youthteam squad have been waiting for their new suits since the start of the season. It is an important tradition at the club and is a huge source of pride when they are given the blazer.

“Then it was discovered that someone had not ordered the shoes to go with the suits. It’s just another little example of how some of the club’s traditions are slowly being eroded, often by pinching pennies.”

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ordered his players to be suited and booted for away games last year after being told that predecessor Jose Mourinho had allowed them to travel in tracksuits.

Some Old Trafford insiders are also unhappy about the design of the Manchester crest on the new suits – which has been described as “looking like a cheap imitation”.