If the worst-case scenario unfolds, Manchester United faces the risk of losing their lucrative partnership with Adidas, should the club be relegated from the Premier League this season.
Such a dreadful fall from grace seemed unimaginable until Ruben Amorim admitted that, following a string of dreadful results, the club was "clearly" embroiled in a relegation battle. United have lost five of their last six Premier League games and are only seven points above the third-bottom spot at the halfway point of the season. This is a far cry from the brief honeymoon period under Amorim when they defeated Everton at Old Trafford, being just six points off second place.
The club's kit deal with Adidas was renewed 18 months ago, set to commence in 2025, marking the second decade-long run for the pair after initially reuniting ten years ago. The figures attached increased from £750m to a reported £900m, making it the most valuable such deal in world football overall.
However, there are contract clauses that protect Adidas from pouring money into a lame duck, and these clauses have now surfaced given the turmoil on the field. In the accounts published by United for the 2023/24 season, the new Adidas deal was announced, confirming the following: "If the men's first team does not participate in the Premier League in any year, Adidas may reduce the applicable payment for that year by 50%.
"Furthermore, if the men's first team is relegated from the Premier League, or if it is determined that the men's first team will not participate in the Premier League or the top tier of English football, Adidas may terminate the agreement by giving notice one full season in advance." This means that if United succumbs to relegation in 2025, which remains an unlikely threat, Adidas can halve their payments to £45m per season. Alternatively, they can end the deal entirely and exit before the start of the 2026/27 season.