How do you recognize a fake Manchester United 1998–1999 shirt?

The Manchester United shirt from the 1998–99 period can be checked for authenticity in several ways. Small deviations in particular can reveal that a shirt is not original.

In this blog, we discuss details on the labels and the shape of the logos. Among other things, we look at the placement of the text, the font used, the finish of the Umbro logo, and the details in the Manchester United logo.

Contents

1. The Umbro label
2. The Manchester United logo
3. The Umbro logo
4. The Vapa Tech label
5. Always look at multiple details
6. BUYING AN AUTHENTIC VINTAGE MANCHESTER UNITED SHIRT?

The Umbro label

The blue Umbro label is a good place to start when checking the authenticity of a 1998–99 Manchester United shirt.

Counterfeit shirts often lack the dots in the Umbro lettering. The size indication is also incorrect. In this case, the 'M' is too bold and positioned too high. At the top, we can see a light-colored border that should not be there. The Umbro label should be the same shade of blue everywhere.

Left: counterfeit Umbro M label. Right: genuine Umbro L label.

There is another label behind the blue label. On this label, check that the font matches and that the spacing between the text is correct. There is generally a number at the bottom. This may vary. There is no fixed number that indicates whether the shirt is genuine or counterfeit. Only its absence is a sign that the shirt is counterfeit. Wear on the label is also a good sign.

Comparison of T-shirt labels: genuine vs. counterfeit, with details about polyester and Made in England.

The Manchester United logo

There are several noticeable differences in the Manchester United logo.

The letters are too large on the fake shirt. They should be narrower. The 'Red Devil' is also too large, and the details do not match those of the original logo.

In addition, the boat's sails are too large and the shape is incorrect. The exact shape of the sails may vary slightly from shirt to shirt.

The logo's outline is too thin on the fake shirt. There is sometimes also empty space inside the logo. On genuine shirts, the space is filled right up to the outline (and sometimes even slightly beyond it).

There are also several other differences.

The Umbro logo

Differences are also visible in the Umbro logo.

The logo has no clear edges, and the letters lack the protrusion. In addition, the logo is too narrow on the left side. It should be wider.

The Vapa Tech label

The Vapa Tech label has an outline around the text. This outline should be interrupted at the top and bottom.

Always look at multiple details

Several discrepancies are visible on this shirt, including the labels and logos. In addition to these details, also look at the stitching and the fabric used.

BUY AN AUTHENTIC VINTAGE MANCHESTER UNITED SHIRT?

Are you looking for an authentic vintage Manchester United shirt?

At Oldschool Voetbalshirts, you will find original vintage football shirts that have been carefully selected and checked for authenticity.

Every shirt is clearly photographed and honestly described, so you know exactly what you are buying.

View our vintage Manchester United shirts and discover the current selection.

→ View vintage Manchester United shirts

1990-92 Manchester United Away Shirt Reissue

The Umbro label

The Manchester United logo

The Umbro logo

The Vapa Tech label

Always look at multiple details

BUY AN AUTHENTIC VINTAGE MANCHESTER UNITED SHIRT?

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