After a hugely disappointing season, where Manchester United did not qualify for European competition for the first time in 25 years, Man U is looking to turn that around with new manager Louis van Gaal. Out of the gates, Van Gaal will have the pressure of having a MUCH better season than last year. Add to this the pressure of being THE Manchester United and living up to the history and glory of the Red Devils.
But now there may be some additional pressure coming from an unexpected source: Adidas. The recent $128 million-a-year deal over 10 years is much bigger than their previous $40 million-a-year deal with Nike. However, there is a catch. According to The Telegraph, “Manchester United must return to the Champions League before the end of the 2016-17 season or face the prospect of a 30 percent reduction in their £75 million-a-year ($128 million) kit deal with Adidas.” Thus, United could see around a $38 million drop if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
In numerous recent articles, The18 has explored what could be in store for Manchester United - from why Louis van Gaal may be the "Man(U) for the job," to Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez’s future with the club. And it does seem that Van Gaal is looking to take Manchester United to the promised land. In a recent interview after Man U's 3-2 win against Roma, Juan Mata said, “We feel the manager is a great manager who has brought a strong mentality. This club is made for a winning mentality and I think he has it.” In other words, Van Gaal will do whatever it takes to win, WHAT-EV-AHH (it’s fun trying to say it in the Sandlot voice).
If you can, make sure to catch the Manchester United-Real Madrid match this Saturday in the historic "Big House" where the University of Michigan Wolverines play. The game is expected to have a 109,000 sell-out crowd.
