Rio Ferdinand 'banned from promoting #5 brand at testimonial'

Manchester United have reportedly told defender Rio Ferdinand that he is not permitted to promote his #5 brand during this evening's testimonial.

The 34-year-old will celebrate over a decade of playing for the Red Devils in a friendly against Sevilla at Old Trafford tonight.

Ferdinand's #5 brand was originally added to a mosaic displaying his name that the fans will lift when the players emerge onto the pitch, but United officials have forced the symbol to be removed as they are against promoting the player's merchandise, according to the Daily Mail.

Ferdinand has produced a range of baseball caps and a digital magazine using the #5 brand.