Manchester United found to have broken Premier League rule

Manchester United endured a major disappointment on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season as Michael Carrick’s side suffered a shock defeat.

Optimism had been building around Old Trafford following an encouraging summer in which United strengthened Carrick’s squad significantly.

After finishing third last season, supporters could finally dream about another step forward. For the most optimistic, perhaps even a challenge for a record-extending 21st league title was possible.

However, those hopes were dealt an immediate blow as newly-promoted Hull City defeated United 2-0 at the MKM Stadium.

Semi Ajayi opened the scoring after 17 minutes before Nobel Mendy doubled Hull’s advantage later in the first half.

United dominated possession but struggled to turn that control into meaningful opportunities, eventually leaving East Yorkshire empty-handed.

The result itself provided plenty of frustration, but another issue from the afternoon has now emerged.

Manchester United broke Premier League rule against Hull City

According to The Sun, Manchester United broke a Premier League rule relating to their kit during the 2-0 defeat.

United started the season without a sleeve sponsor after their four-year agreement with DXC Technology came to an end earlier this year.

The previous agreement was reportedly worth approximately £20million per season, leaving the club searching for a replacement.

Premier League Rule M.15 requires clubs without a commercial left-sleeve sponsor to display the competition’s official badge on both sleeves.

United instead only displayed the Premier League badge and No Room For Racism element on their right sleeve against Hull, accidentally leaving the other side without the required league branding.

The report explains that both United and the Premier League are aware of the oversight.

However, the Red Devils will avoid any sanction for breaking the regulation and will rectify the mistake ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Ipswich Town.

United are therefore expected to feature Premier League branding on both sleeves at Old Trafford as Carrick’s side look to bounce back from their opening-day defeat.