Manchester United Bans Ronaldo, Beckham, and Cantona Jersey Prints, Citing Image Rights Issues

Former English Premier League champions Manchester United have stirred controversy by banning the printing of jerseys featuring the names of three legendary former players—Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, and Eric Cantona. These three icons have played vital roles in Manchester United’s rich history and are beloved by fans around the world. Until recently, fans could freely purchase United shirts with these players' names at the club’s official megastore. However, this sudden ban has sparked debate and frustration among the fanbase, particularly as these names continue to carry immense sentimental and commercial value.

Earlier this month, Manchester United unveiled their new away kit for the 2025–26 season. Excitement buzzed among supporters who were eager to get their hands on the fresh jersey design. One such supporter, Simon Lloyd, visited the club’s megastore at Old Trafford to purchase a new kit. To his surprise, he noticed a new restriction posted in the store, informing customers that jerseys bearing the names Cantona, Beckham, and Ronaldo could no longer be printed. The decision left him and many other fans baffled, as no prior warning had been issued.

According to the notice in the megastore, the club stated under point four of its "shirt printing policy": "Due to licensing restrictions, we are unable to print Cantona, Beckham, and Ronaldo jerseys." When contacted by the media outlet *The Sun*, club officials explained that the decision was based on image rights held by the players themselves. Since the club does not currently hold the commercial rights to use these players’ names on new merchandise, they are prohibited from producing or selling jerseys with their names in the store.

This change has not only limited the printing of these names on the new season’s jerseys but has also ended the option for fans to order customized retro kits with these iconic names. Furthermore, United officials clarified that only current season jerseys and current player name prints are now available at the megastore. Historic fonts or designs associated with earlier kits will no longer be used or sold, adding another layer of disappointment for longtime supporters and memorabilia collectors.

Fans have not taken the decision lightly. Social media platforms have been flooded with criticism directed at the club, with many accusing Manchester United of disregarding their own legacy. For years, supporters have proudly worn shirts bearing the names of Cantona, Beckham, and Ronaldo, celebrating the players who helped shape the club’s identity. Although these players have long since left the club, their contributions remain unforgettable. The fact that fans can no longer purchase official merchandise honoring them has created widespread discontent.

Eric Cantona was a charismatic and dominant figure in the Premier League during the 1990s. His arrival at Old Trafford in 1992 helped United secure their first league title in 26 years, and he would go on to win four league titles with the club. David Beckham, who rose through the club’s youth academy as part of the famous "Class of ’92", became a global icon. He won six Premier League titles and was instrumental in the club’s historic treble-winning season in 1999. Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. He won three Premier League titles, a Champions League, and a Ballon d’Or during his first spell at the club, establishing himself as a superstar on the world stage.

Each of these legends left a profound mark on Manchester United’s legacy, and for many fans, their names still represent the golden eras of the club. The decision to ban printing their names on official jerseys, no matter the reason, feels to many like a break from tradition. While the club’s hands may be tied due to licensing issues, supporters are urging Manchester United to find a solution that honors its rich past while navigating modern commercial constraints.