Manchester United wanted to explore the possibility of introducing sponsorship on the back of replica shirts, but the idea was rejected by rival Barclays Premier League clubs, The Times has learnt.

Sponsorship on the rear of jerseys is banned under Premier League rules, although it is allowed in the FA Cup and League Cup. United were interested in discussing the potential for a second shirt sponsor at a Premier League meeting, but it is understood that the other 19 top-flight clubs were opposed to such a move.

The consensus was that there was a risk of diluting the impact of a club’s main shirt sponsor, according to Premier League sources.

There was also thought to be a desire to avoid the risk of football shirts