Adidas CEO Herbert Hainer has criticised Manchester United for their style of play and conceded it isn’t ‘exactly what we want to see’.
After coming under heavy scrutiny from all quarters already this season, United boss Louis van Gaal will not welcome further talk about the team’s lack of goals and attacking intent.
Although the situation has improved in recent outings including a draw with Chelsea and 2-1 win over Swansea City, United had gone eight games without a win in all competitions.
To add insult to injury, they managed just five goals in that run and it became the worst December in the club’s history.
While that hasn’t been lost on Adidas, it remains to be seen whether or not it affects the club’s relationship with their sponsor moving forward.
“This success confirms again that Manchester United is not just a football club,” said Hainer, as reported by Sky Sports.
“With more than 650 million fans globally it is one of the world’s most supported sports clubs.
“This special club has not only a rich history but also a reputation for success. Business with Manchester United is going very well, we have sold more shirts than expected.
“We are satisfied, even if the current playing style is not exactly what we want to see.”
United return to action against Sheffield United in the FA Cup on Saturday, before returning to Premier League matters against Newcastle United on January 12.
Van Gaal’s side remain nine points adrift of league leaders Arsenal, but the Dutchman will certainly be buoyed by the improvements that have been shown in their last two games.