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MANCHESTER UNITED fans have reacted with horror at the club�s home kit for next season. The chequered pattern on the Red Devils� new 'Gingham' shirt has been designed with the city�s heritage in mind. The top is meant to be a nod to the famous cotton industry of 1878, when the club was formed. It carries the slogan: 'Forged in Industry, Made of Manchester.' But fans have compared it to a tablecloth and a tea towel on the club�s official Facebook page where the first picture was officially released. One supporter, Conor Sorohan, wrote: �Looks alright if you are Rupert the Bear or a tin of shortbread.� Fan Steve Jarvis posted: �Please tell me the checked United shirt is a huge wind up? �It�s hard enough as it is with the stick from other fans without having the worst, most ugly kit in the history of English football.� While David Wood commented: �By far the worst shirt I�ve ever seen in United�s history! Please tell me this is a joke or a clown�s costume rather than what the team will wear next year. �Who wants to endure this humiliation every other week? This new madness is utterly out of touch with the fan base and entirely the result of Glazer�s greed.� However, a club spokesman said: "It�s historical, unusual and a bit different. Gingham was invented in Manchester going back to when it was known for its cotton mills."