“Really, really close” – Fabrizio Romano says Man Utd move for “super pro” now imminent

Manchester United is reportedly on the verge of appointing Jean-Claude Blanc as their new Chief Executive Officer, as revealed by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

This development is part of the anticipated changes at Old Trafford following the expected announcement of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as a minority owner.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, known for his role with INEOS, is set to bring significant changes to the club, with a reported £1.25 billion deal nearing completion.

Despite the continued presence of the Glazers, Ratcliffe and INEOS are expected to take control of sporting decisions, encompassing player recruitment, managerial appointments, and internal staffing.

As part of the restructuring, a new Director of Football is likely to be appointed, potentially replacing John Murtough.

The latest name linked to this role is Dan Ashworth, currently the Sporting Director at Newcastle United. This move suggests a broader overhaul of leadership behind the scenes.

Meanwhile, Jean-Claude Blanc, with past experience at Paris Saint-Germain and the INEOS group, is emerging as the front-runner for the CEO position.

His reputation in sports business, coupled with a strong track record, makes him an ideal candidate.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the appointment of Blanc is imminent, pending final details.

In Romano’s words, “Blanc is the more than big favourite. I would say he is really close to getting the job, it is just about the final details there and then Blanc is expected to become the new Manchester United CEO.

He has big experience, so he’s considered the perfect man for the job and for what Manchester United need in that position to protect the club to protect the team in some specific moments.

Blanc is considered absolutely perfect after the experience he’s got, not only at the INEOS group but also at Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.”