Manchester United fans were left disappointed after it was revealed that they are banned from printing the names of club legends Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, and Eric Cantona on their shirts. This news came to light following the release of the Red Devils’ official home and away kits for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
The announcement of the ban came just before Manchester United’s pre-season tour, which is scheduled to kick off on June 26 with a match against West Ham United. Subsequent games against Bournemouth on July 30 and Everton on August 3 are also on the agenda. Fans looking to purchase the new kits ahead of the tour were surprised to find out that certain iconic names could not be printed on the shirts.
A Twitter user, @SmnLlyd5, shared his experience of visiting the official store with his son to buy a kit, only to discover the restriction on printing the names of Cantona, Beckham, and Ronaldo. The club’s shirt printing policy, which is in place due to licensing restrictions, explicitly prohibits the use of these legendary names on the official merchandise.
In a separate development, new Manchester United signing Bryan Mbeumo opened up about his childhood affinity for Cristiano Ronaldo. Mbeumo, who recently joined the Red Devils from Brentford for a reported fee of £65 million, reminisced about wearing a shirt with Ronaldo’s name on the back as a young fan. The Cameroonian forward expressed his admiration for Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar, and Hazard, highlighting how these players influenced his footballing journey.
Cristiano Ronaldo, in particular, holds a special place in the hearts of Manchester United fans, having enjoyed immense success during his first spell at the club under Sir Alex Ferguson. Despite a brief return to Old Trafford in 2021, Ronaldo’s departure in 2022 marked the end of an era for both the player and the club.
As the excitement builds for the upcoming season, fans will have to make do with other customization options for their new kits, as they navigate the restrictions on printing the names of their beloved club legends. The legacy of players like Ronaldo, Beckham, and Cantona will continue to be celebrated in other ways, ensuring that their contributions to Manchester United are never forgotten.