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Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'set to name Jean-Claude Blanc as Manchester United CEO'

Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'set to name Jean-Claude Blanc as Man United CEO'
© Reuters
Jean-Claude Blanc will be named Manchester United's new CEO once Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival is confirmed, according to a report.

Jean-Claude Blanc will reportedly be named Manchester United's new CEO once Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 25% purchase of the English giants has been confirmed.

Ratcliffe's arrival as a minority shareholder is expected to be announced in the near future, with the British billionaire set to take over the football department at Old Trafford.

A major change in the set-up has already been confirmed, with Richard Arnold leaving as CEO, which has led to Patrick Stewart stepping into the role on an interim basis.

There has been widespread speculation of late surrounding the future of the position, but according to BBC Sport, a decision on the next CEO has all but been made.

The report claims that Blanc is set to be announced in the role once Ratcliffe's deal is complete, with the Frenchman viewed as the outstanding candidate for the position.

Ineos chairman Jim Ratcliffe on March 17, 2023© Reuters

INEOS performance director Sir Dave Brailsford is expected to be brought to Old Trafford, while Paolo Maldini is said to be under consideration as the new football director - a role currently held by John Murtough.

The positions of Murtough and director of football operations David Harrison are said to be under threat, with Ratcliffe set to bring in his own team to address what he views to be a failing department.

Blanc formerly worked for the French Tennis Federation as a chief executive before switching his talents to football, and he has previously been the Juventus CEO and marketing executive of Paris Saint-Germain.

The 60-year-old is currently working as chief executive of INEOS Sport, and he is now seemingly on the verge of securing his first job in English football.

Ineos chairman Jim Ratcliffe is pictured at Old Trafford in Manchester, Britain, March 17, 2023© Reuters

Ratcliffe will allegedly take guidance from legendary former Man United manager Sir Alex Ferguson when it comes to his overhaul of the football department at the club.

Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman is also being linked with a move to Old Trafford, but the London club's chairman Steve Parish has insisted that there has not yet been any contact from the Red Devils.

"You would have to get into the minds of those people (Manchester United decision makers) wouldn't you,' he told the Rest is Football. "I certainly don't think there's been any conversations. It's flattering for the club.

"You guys live in the world where 50% of the stories in the media are true, 50% are not. We just don't know which ones yet."

Man United will be back in action against Everton at Goodison Park next Sunday, when they will be bidding to make it five wins from their last six matches in the Premier League.

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Written by
Matt Law

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Nice owner Jim Ratcliffe before the match on April 20, 2023
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