Manchester United’s kit deal with Nike didn’t end particularly well with the giant sports manufacturer baulking at the astronomical figures being asked for by the club to continue the sponsorship.
At the time, a Nike spokesman said:
“Any partnership with a club or federation has to be mutually beneficial, and the terms that were on offer for a renewed contract did not represent good value for Nike’s shareholders,”
And it’s been a bit of a messy situation with Manchester United contractually obliged to wear the old Nike jersey, on the pre-season tour of America, until the Adidas deal offially starts on August 1st.
That’s when the new kit will be officially unveiled but leaked pictures – curiously, there are a few different versions floating around – show that it’s quite a classic looking number which has nostalgic associations with the last time that Manchester United had Adidas as their sponsor.
Version number 1 – we prefer this
It reminds us of when Robbo was in his pomp at Manchester United, helping the team batter opponents before another injury to Captain Marvel preceded yet another slump in results.
Manchester United midfielder Bryan Robson, 1988.(Photo by Pascal Rondeau/Getty Images)
Version 2 – similar but we aren’t sure about the white bits
Fortunately the Manchester United squad is of an entirely different, world class, quality these days and the kit manufacturer will hope that their new deal will coincide with an upturn in fortunes for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
At least it doesn’t have the ridiculous collars. Note to Adidas – no more ridiculous collars please.
