Jean-Claude Blanc outlines Man Utd spending plans & why player transfers might not be key focus

Manchester United board member Jean-Claude Blanc has hinted the new club hierarchy could prioritise investment in Old Trafford above the playing staff.

The Ineos CEO is playing an active role in shaping Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s vision, following the confirmation of his £1.3bn investment in United. Blanc was handed a seat on the club’s football board when Ratcliffe purchased 27.7 percent of the club’s shares and is working alongside Sir Dave Brailsford.

Improving on-field performances and the stadium experience for fans were outlined as the main aims of the new United co-owner, and speaking in a recent interview, Blanc seems to imply funds could be diverted away from player transfer and spent on club infrastructure.

“The key is the quality of experience for the fans. We must have the courage to invest in infrastructure rather than in players,” he told French newspaper La Tribune. “This creates additional income which allows reinvestment in talent.

“I started my career following the construction of a temporary stadium for the opening of the Albertville Games. At Juventus, there was the design and construction of a 41,500-seat stadium. At PSG, we have worked a lot to effectively renovate the Parc des Princes. At Manchester United we are watching.

“Old Trafford has been at the forefront for years but is catching up. Modernization or new Old Trafford? All options are on the table. We see that things are moving a lot. Tottenham have a new stadium. Real Madrid are finishing theirs. Barcelona is working on it. Paris might have one one day.”