Manchester United suffered a shock 2-0 defeat at the hands of Hull City last weekend, and it now appears that they also broke a surprise Premier League rule during that game. The Red Devils travelled to the MKM Stadium on Saturday, 22 August, riding high on the optimism generated last season.
The Premier League giants started the game with the new-look midfield pairing of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. The duo had arrived at the Theatre of Dreams over the summer and were expected to inspire Michael Carrick’s team back to the top.
However, the Tigers gave them a stark reality check, scoring twice in the first half while keeping Michael Carrick’s fearsome attack at bay. United failed to breach the opposition backline and started the campaign with defeat.
Unfortunately, it now appears that they also broke a Premier League rule last weekend.
United broke Premier League shirt-sleeve rule
According to The Daily Mail, United broke a shirt-sleeve rule during the game against Hull City. The report states: “The Old Trafford outfit went into the current campaign without a sleeve sponsor, following the expiration of a £20m per year deal with DXC Technology which dates back to 2022.”
“However, Premier League rules dictate that clubs without a sleeve sponsor should display the competition’s badge on both arms. And eagle-eyed observers have pointed out that United did not comply during their opening day defeat at Hull City, with one sleeve left blank.”
United were not the only team without a sleeve sponsor, as Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Sunderland were also missing one. However, the trio were wise enough to include the Premier League badges so as to comply with the rules.
The Red Devils, meanwhile, had the Premier League badge on their right sleeve, while the left sleeve, which is supposed to house the sponsor, was left blank.
United unlikely to be penalised
The Daily Mail, however, adds that United are unlikely to receive sanctions due to the oversight, continuing: “While both the Premier League and United declined to comment, Daily Mail Sport understands that the club was given a polite reminder of the rule.”
The report also states that the Red Devils will address the issue when they face Ipswich Town at Old Trafford on Sunday, 30 August. It concludes: “It is also understood that the top-flight badge will be on both sleeves when United return to action against Ipswich at Old Trafford on Sunday.”
“United are seeking a new shirt sleeve sponsor, having had one for the past eight seasons.”
Final Thoughts
United will be desperate to rectify the disappointment of the opening day defeat when they host Ipswich Town at the Theatre of Dreams. Perhaps a Premier League badge on the left sleeve could be the lucky charm for Michael Carrick’s team this weekend.
Featured image by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
