A Controversial Internal Rule

The new Manchester United kits for the 2025-26 season are making headlines—not for what they offer, but for what they don’t. According to a statement given to The Sun, fans are not allowed to print the names Cantona, Beckham, or Cristiano Ronaldo at the club’s official megastore at Old Trafford. The reason? A little-known internal licensing policy that prevents using these legends' names without explicit authorization.

It all began when fan Simon Lloyd spotted a sign inside the store explaining the restriction. Since then, frustration has grown among supporters, many of whom see the move as a disrespectful slight to three of the most iconic players in the club’s history.

The Shadow of a Tense Departure

In Ronaldo’s case, controversy is nothing new. After his high-profile return in 2021, the Portuguese superstar endured a turbulent second spell at Old Trafford, clashing publicly with Erik ten Hag. His exit was explosive, punctuated by tell-all interviews and a complete fallout with the club hierarchy. Since then, CR7’s name has slowly vanished from the club’s official narrative.

Although the decision is reportedly tied to image rights rather than club policy, many fans see it as a symbolic cancellation. Especially when names like Wayne Rooney or Ryan Giggs remain available for printing without restriction.

Tribute or Censorship?

Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, and Éric Cantona defined eras at Manchester United. But now, their names are absent from the very shirts they once glorified. The line between business policy and institutional erasure is beginning to blur.