Manchester United has revealed that Jean-Claude Blanc has stepped down from his role as Director but will still play an active role at the club.
The Premier League club confirmed on Monday that Blanc has left his position as a Director, which saw the Frenchman represent the Red Devils at Premier League and European Clubs’ Association meetings.
However, he will remain a key figure in the bid to revive the club’s fortunes after a struggling season. His new position as Chief of International Football Relations will mean he will be the direct connection between the club and governing bodies, such as UEFA and FIFA.
A club statement read: “Jean-Claude Blanc has stepped down from his position as a director of Manchester United Football Club, 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 advisor to the board.”
All part of the plan?
Blanc first joined Manchester United around 12 months ago, where his first responsibility was as interim CEO as the club awaited the arrival of Omar Berrada, who’s task has involved some tough decisions so far. Before joining the red side of Manchester, he held roles at Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s decision to bring in the Frenchman was largely driven by his past experience at the boardroom level at several established European clubs, which initially filled Manchester United supporters with optimism. It seemed the club was on the verge of a major restructuring, in the hope of returning to past glories.
However, things haven’t gone entirely to plan. While Ratcliffe has emphasised this is a long-term project, the initial enthusiasm around his high-profile appointments has started to fade, particularly following the departure of Dan Ashworth.
Ashworth was brought in as Sporting Director but left after just five months, a significant blow considering the time and financial effort spent to bring him in from Premier League rivals Newcastle United.
Although Blanc’s boardroom reshuffle doesn’t amount to failure, it does raise questions about why he has taken on a new role so soon.
