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Manchester United is on the cusp of a significant change in ownership structure with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s impending acquisition of a 25% stake in the club. This move is expected to usher in a new era, with fresh faces in key leadership roles.
A notable potential appointment that has caught the attention of the United fanbase is Jean-Claude Blanc.
Sir Jim is poised to bring in new leadership for critical roles such as Director of Football and Chief Executive.
For the Director of Football position, Paul Mitchell is the anticipated choice. However, it’s the prospect of Jean-Claude Blanc replacing Richard Arnold as CEO that has sparked intrigue, given Blanc’s relatively low profile among fans.
Jean-Claude Blanc’s career is marked by considerable success in football administration. With an MBA from Harvard Business School, he is not just academically accomplished but has also demonstrated his prowess on the field.
His tremendous contribution to Juventus’ resurgence post the Calciopoli scandal is a testament to his capabilities.
Reviving the Old Lady of Italy
Blanc joined Juventus during their tumultuous period following relegation and climbed the ranks to become chairman in 2009.
He was instrumental in restructuring the club’s financial model, renegotiating contracts, and revamping the technical staff.
His strategies led to Juventus not only achieving financial stability but also laying the groundwork for continued on-field success.
His vision was further evident in the decision to make Juventus the first club to own their stadium outright, a strategic move that provided them with a substantial competitive advantage.
Making PSG a sporting and marketing monster
After his tenure at Juventus, Blanc moved to Paris Saint-Germain, where he became the General Manager.
Here, he transformed the club into a marketing powerhouse, leveraging Paris’ global appeal and securing high-profile collaborations.
He orchestrated all the strategies for promoting the club’s brand, achieving remarkable success, notably with the massive Jordan brand deal that transformed the club’s image.
Under his leadership, PSG clinched their first title in nearly two decades and established what might be considered the world’s most recognisable sports brand.
Thanks to Jean-Claude Blanc’s efforts, the club expanded its reach to audiences who might otherwise have remained unaware of PSG’s existence.
The call from Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, whose portfolio includes multiple sports teams and sponsorship ventures, roped in Blanc for INEOS’ sports division in February 2023.
This appointment hinted at Ratcliffe’s broader ambitions in the sports world, and his subsequent bid for Manchester United is a part of this vision.
He’s assisted Sir Jim Ratcliffe in negotiating the 25% purchase of United, primarily by utilising his previous connections at PSG for intelligence gathering.
Ratcliffe praised Blanc’s entrepreneurial and innovative approach upon confirming his appointment at INEOS, highlighting the high expectations he has for his sports teams.
Big Win for Manchester United
At Manchester United, the potential appointment of Blanc as CEO is going to be a significant move, one that could mark the club’s most notable shift in leadership since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
His track record of handling crises and his marketing acumen are expected to play a crucial role in reviving United’s fortunes.
Blanc’s appointment, alongside Paul Mitchell’s potential role in football affairs, is anticipated to bring a modern and effective management style to the club.
Their combined expertise could be key in addressing issues like the club’s debt, the need for infrastructure upgrades, and leveraging United’s global brand for better financial returns.
