Young fans of Manchester United are discovering that supporting their favourite club comes with an extra financial cost at school. According to a report by Wales Online, pupils who back the Red Devils have had to shell out an additional £10 compared to their Manchester City counterparts for a school backpack. As students return to lessons after the summer break, all 20 Premier League clubs are offering a range of classroom items for sale, including stationery and pencil cases adorned with team crests.
The rivalry between the two Manchester clubs is not limited to the pitch, as it seems to have extended to the school supplies arena. While Manchester City is selling their backpack for £25, Manchester United has priced theirs at £35, making it one of the most expensive bags in the league. The report also highlights that Arsenal and Chelsea are among the clubs charging fans the highest prices for a backpack. In contrast, despite being a wealthy club, Newcastle United is offering a magpie-branded backpack at a more reasonable £16.
Among the Premier League clubs offering lunch bags with their badges, only Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are providing such items in their club shops, each priced at £15. The article mentions that newly promoted Ipswich Town has introduced a back-to-school line, featuring a £15 lunchbox for young fans. Moreover, Manchester United is reportedly charging £35 for their pencil case set, which includes a water bottle, pencils, a ruler, rubbers, a notepad, and a sharpener, making it the most expensive in the league.
Notably, while some clubs like Southampton offer a £10 football-branded pencil case, others like Arsenal do not have a similar offering in their club shop. West Ham United stands out for providing a cost-effective option with a £15 backpack featuring their club mascot, Bubbles the Bear. The report also includes descriptions of the backpacks from different clubs, such as Manchester City’s backpack being marketed as a stylish accessory with reflective details and the club crest, and West Ham United touting theirs as perfect for everyday essentials.
In conclusion, the article sheds light on the varying prices set by Premier League clubs for school-related merchandise, with Manchester United fans experiencing a higher financial outlay compared to some other clubs. As young supporters gear up for the new school term, the debate on the cost of showing team loyalty through school supplies continues to capture attention.