United announced in May 2020 that they had been suing Sega and Sports Contextual for using their brand in their famous management simulation game.
The club thought the FM manufacturers infringed on its trademark by "changing the club crest with a simpler red and white striped design."
Consumers want to see the Manchester United symbol next to the name... and failing to do so constitutes unlawful use, United said.
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Image Credit: Football ManagerManchester United and Sega have agreed a settlement to amicably resolve their trade mark dispute relating to Football Manager. Both parties are pleased to resolve this matter to their mutual satisfaction. pic.twitter.com/OQXeY7nMXP
— Football Manager (@FootballManager) August 6, 2021
From FM22 onwards, the Manchester United football club will be named ‘Manchester UFC’ or ‘Man UFC’. These name changes have been made purely to settle the dispute on a no admissions basis.
— Football Manager (@FootballManager) August 6, 2021
Players will still be able to manage United and players such as Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane, and Marcus Rashford, but under a new identity.
Juventus, who are branded as 'Zebre' in the game after securing an exclusive contract with Konami, experienced a similar issue.
For the same reason, Juventus is referred to as 'Piemonte Calcio' in EA Sports' FIFA, whereas AS Roma, Lazio, and Atalanta have alternative names due to licence agreements with other clubs.
FM has been given to United players and staff for a number of years, and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has stated that the game support him become such a coach.