Adidas boss criticises Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal

The chief executive of Manchester United’s kit sponsor, Adidas, has made a surprise dig at manager Louis van Gaal, suggesting his play style could be impacting the value of the sportswear giant’s nine-figure deal with the club.

In an interview with Germany’s Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, Adidas boss Herbert Hainer said: “Business with Man United is going very well, we sell more shirts than expected.

“We are satisfied, even if the current playing style of Man United is not exactly what we want to see.”

Adidas signed a 10-year deal with United in 2015 reportedly worth £750m.

Despite the comments, which follow a difficult Christmas period for the club and Van Gaal, Mr Hainer went on to praise United. According to The Express, he told Suddeutsche Zeitung: “This success confirms again that Man United is not just a football club.

“With more than 650 million fans globally, it is, without doubt, one of the world’s most supported sports symbols.”

Mr Hainer added: “This special club has not only a rich history, but also a reputation for success and the unexpected.”

Adidas replaced sportswear firm Nike as Manchester United’s kit sponsor from the start of the 2015/16 season, returning following a 23-year break.