Manchester United fans red in the face over Adidas' blue Stretford shoe

The Stretford hasn't been a hit with Manchester United fans. Photo / Supplied

As marketing stuff ups go, this one hits the back of the net.

Adidas has come under fire for it's new limited edition shoe, the "Stretford".

The design and name are inspired by English Premier League club Manchester United, and you'd think that fans would be happy. But not so.

The shoe - part of a 10-year sponsorship deal with the club worth over $1.5 billion - has one simple but major mistake.

The patent Adidas stripes on the shoe are blue, the colour used by arch-rival team Manchester City.

Adidas have justified the choice of colour, saying that it is a reference to the colour the team wore in their 4-1 victory over Portuguese side Benfica in the 1968 European Cup final.

But Manchester United fans are not convinced, saying that blue was darker and that the one on the shoe is more akin to Man City's colours.

Adidas Stretford's? Mate I'd rather wear crocs

— Matty (@mattylufc_) October 15, 2015

Adidas Stretford making me feel queasy

— Tom Malone (@timmymelons) October 15, 2015

Mind you, the blue has not put off all fans. Some two hundred queued for 18 hours outside a Manchester store to buy the trainers.

Most were left disappointed as the store was given just 110 pairs.