The garish cream suits worn by Liverpool's squad prior to the 1996 FA Cup final gave Manchester United the edge even before kick-off, according to ex-United manager Alex Ferguson.

Liverpool players including Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman and Jamie Redknapp, dubbed the 'Spice Boys', turned up at Wembley clad in striking suits designed by Giorgio Armani and lost 1-0 to a late Eric Cantona goal.

Ferguson claims that the sight of Liverpool's players strolling onto the turf convinced him and assistant manager Brian Kidd that his side were going to prevail.

"Why did they do that? I said to Brian Kidd: '1-0!'" Ferguson, 73, says in a BBC documentary being broadcast on Sunday to mark the release of his new book, 'Leading'.

"I think that's -- what would you call it, arrogance or over-confidence? I don't know. It was absolutely ridiculous.

"Blue shirt, red and white tie and a white suit, and a blue flower. Who designed that? They said it was Armani. I bet his sales went down!"