Jean-Claude Blanc’s role as Manchester United director has been terminated, according to Companies House. Blanc, who also spent time as interim CEO before Omar Berrada’s arrival, had been in his role for a little over a year.
“Jean-Claude Blanc has stepped down from his position as a director of Manchester United Football Club,” a statement from United read. “However, he will continue to have an active role in the management of the club in his new position as Chief of International Football Relations and Special Adviser to the board.”
Blanc arrived at the club with significant footballing pedigree. He previously spent time with Italian giants Juventus, among other clubs, and was involved in the Turin club’s move to the Allianz Stadium.
The 62-year-old also spent time with Paris Saint-Germain in his native France, serving as the club’s CEO for a decade. He officially joined United just weeks after Ratcliffe’s partial takeover of the club was confirmed in early 2024.
Before taking on his role, he became Ineos Sport CEO in February 2023. When announcing that appointment, Ratcliffe pointed to “a particular ambition to raise our standards in football,” with Ineos in charge of OGC Nice – among other clubs – before the Manchester United investment.
BBC Sport reports that Blanc had previously represented United at European football and Premier League meetings but didn’t do so at the last Premier League shareholders meeting. On that occasion, CEO Berrada was joined by chief financial officer Roger Bell.
Ratcliffe has overseen a number of changes in the club’s leadership since taking charge of football affairs midway through the 2023-24 season. The billionaire also brought in Dan Ashworth as sporting director, though the former Newcastle transfer chief only lasted a few months in the role.
In a March interview with The Times, Ratcliffe indicated he could be convinced to walk away from the club if he receives the same amount of hate as the Glazer family. Majority owners the Glazer have been the subject of fan protests at various points in their tenure.
“I don’t mind being unpopular because I get that nobody likes seeing Manchester United down where they are and nobody likes the decisions we’re having to make,” Ratcliffe said. “If I draw a bit of the ire, I can put up with that. But I’m no different to the average person.
“It’s not nice, particularly for friends and family. So, eventually, if it reached the extent that the Glazer family have been abused, then I’d have to say: ‘Look, enough’s enough, guys, let somebody else do this.’ They can’t really come to a match, the Glazers.”
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