Adidas are concerned about falling shirt sales for Manchester United.

There have been suggestions within football circles that the Germans may have been responsible for Ed Woodward's departure, due to his role in the ESL farce and lack of trophies in recent seasons, reports the Daily Mail.

Sources close to adidas — United's largest sponsor — have suggested they were disappointed not to have been briefed by United chiefs over their ESL plans.

However, they insist they had no part in Woodward's announcement that he would leave Old Trafford in the summer after 16 years.

Official club figures show payments from adidas to United have fallen by £1.2million since 2018.

The deal with adidas was worth £79million to United in 2018, but this fell to £78.8million in 2019 and £77.8million last year.