'Slipping behind Chelsea in the Barclays Premiership race just a month into the season, Manchester United are also trailing the London club in the sale of replica shirts. In fact, Arsenal and Liverpool also appear to be more popular than the eight-time Premiership champions, according to retailers. Paul Fendley, merchandising manager at Kitbag.com, says that Chelsea home shirts are outselling those of United by a factor of four. Staff at Soccer Scene report that United’s red shirts are no longer the most popular items at the Carnaby Street store.
‘“United’s have traditionally been the best-selling shirts but our top four is now Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and then United,” Clint Pearmain, the store manager, said. “The new cherry Arsenal shirt is our number one because it is unusual and will only be used for one season, and Chelsea sales have increased because once a team does well people jump on the bandwagon. Liverpool have become popular since the European Cup win. We are even selling more Fulham and QPR shirts.”’