Adidas chief Herbert Hainer has suggested Louis van Gaal’s style of football is marring the commercial success of the sportswear giant’s deal with Manchester United.

Adidas signed a 10-year £750m agreement to take over from Nike as United’s official kit supplier in August - the biggest deal of it’s kind in Europe. And the new shirt broke sales records when it was released ahead of the new season.

In an interview with German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung, Adidas chief executive Hainer revealed the company has been delighted with the results of the tie-up.

But he admitted Van Gaal’s style of football - branded ‘boring’ by former midfielder Paul Scholes as United have struggled for goals this season - is a concern.

Hainer said: “This success confirms again that Manchester United is not just a football club.

“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."