54,523 souls made the Boxing Day pilgrimage to watch City turn on the style and beat Sunderland 4-1 and they were also given a preview of what will become our new crest in the 2016/17 season.
We were on hand to snap the best pictures from in and around the stadium as fans got to grips with the new design.
Cityzens were queuing early for their first glimpse of the future at the special viewing pod in City Square.
Cameras at the ready to snap the new badge...
... and here it is! The badge which has been described as a ‘modern original’.
The design was chosen after a 30-day consultation period and a series of lectures on the badges’ history by Manchester Football Expert Gary James.
Thousands of Cityzens fed back to the club as to whether, and if so how, they wanted the badge to evolve.
The big reveal to supporters inside the stadium before kick-off.
Only one third (34%) of supporters expressed a desire to retain the existing Eagle badge shape.
Joe Hart said: “I am really looking forward to wearing it. It’s something new. This is what I love about this club and the journey I have been on since I’ve been here. There have always been new and exciting things and every one of them positive. It’s no different with this badge. I think it’s great.”
The badge pod will remain open in City Square into the New Year - for opening times, please see the foot of this page.
The badge by night...
Any excuse for a selfie!
Keep your thoughts on the new design coming in on Twitter @MCFC!
