Man United delayed special Ronaldo, Cantona kit advert over exit concerns

Following Friday’s launch of the Man United 2022/23 home kit, it has emerged that some promotional material featuring Cristiano Ronaldo had to be held back amid the uncertainty over his future, according to reports.

The Red Devils launched their new kit on Friday. The collar makes a return, drawing comparisons with the 90’s kits which were worn so brilliantly by Eric Cantona.

The launch heavily played on the link, ‘Are you collar up or collar down?’, which was the main question in much of the promotional material.

The 2022/23 shirt has a retro look, with the collar, striking detailing and the panel around the Man United badge.

Which players featured in the launch?

Both first-team and women’s players donned their new strips in the promotional video. Among the stars selected in the video were the men’s side’s new number eight, Bruno Fernandes, Raphael Varane and United Women forward Ella Toone.

In addition, former stars feature heavily. Cantona, Dwight Yorke and David Beckham were all celebrated.

One player, though, who still featured despite recent headlines, is Cristiano Ronaldo.

United’s number seven smiled at the camera in the video. He was also seen rocking the new shirt in promotional images too.

Given the recent reports that Ronaldo wants to leave Old Trafford, some fans found Ronaldo’s presence to be quite surprising.

Ronaldo Man United kit advert pushed back

It has now emerged that the desire of Ronaldo to leave Man United had a knock-on effect on other aspects of Friday’s launch.

It has been reported by The Athletic that the club even made a special Ronaldo number seven-themed advert for the kit. Due to the Ronaldo uncertainty, there has been a delay.

The Athletic said: “Footage has been shot of Ronaldo alongside Eric Cantona and David Beckham, bringing together three iconic United No 7s, and the final version was scheduled to be released at the same time as the latest Adidas shirts go on sale.”

If this video had been released, it is sure to have made a lot of noise. Getting three of the most critical figures in Manchester United history together would have seen shirts fly off the hangers.

The Athletic maintain that this video remains in the creative process and can still be altered depending on Ronaldo’s future. Reds great Bryan Robson is also featured.

Ronaldo did not travel with Man United for the beginning of their pre-season tour in Bangkok on Friday, as his future remains in doubt.

Both he and the club will be hoping to come to a resolution soon. Fans certainly will be, as they will finally be able to watch what sounds like a sublime advert for their new kit.

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