Jean-Claude Blanc steps down as Man United director to assume new role

The 62-year-old Frenchman was appointed as director of Manchester United last year, just weeks after Sir Jim Ratcliffe's partial takeover of the club was confirmed in early 2024. However, the Red Devils confirmed earlier today that the Frenchman has taken up a new position at the club, as Ratcliffe continues his behind-the-scenes overhaul.

"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," reads a statement from the English side.

In his new role as Chief of International Football Relations and Special Adviser to the board, Blanc is expected to remain actively involved in the management of the Premier League side, with the focus shifting on representing the club on the international stage. This means ensuring smooth relations persist with bodies such as UEFA, FIFA and the European Club Association.

Blac has experience in working with other European giants, such as Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, spending a decade serving as CEO of the latter. Having landed the role of Ineos Sport CEO then led him to Old Trafford. The change is one of the many Ratcliffe has enforced at Man United to revolutionise the club. Sporting director Dan Ashworth was sacked just months after he was brought in by the billionaire in July.