Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Ineos Group, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are the two main contenders battling to become Manchester United’s new owner.
Delegations from the two parties have already visited Manchester. L’Equipe state Jean-Claude Blanc accompanied the billionaire and Dave Brailsford, during last month’s visit to England.
Blanc, who is now Ineos’ head of sport, is responsible for ‘coordinating the development’ of all sporting properties owned by Ineos, including OGC Nice. The report further explains the role he could have at Old Trafford, if Ratcliffe ends up buying Manchester United.
L’Equipe state the Frenchman may not have a major role at Nice, at least in the long term, and add that his role will change hugely if the Ineos Group become Manchester United’s new owners.
Even though Ineos have insisted they will invest similarly on Nice and Manchester United [if they take over], the newspaper explains the balance should tip in the Premier League side’s favour.
Blanc has previously worked at Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain. He was the deputy general manager from 2011 until last December for the latter, and his work in Paris saw the Frenchman draw a lot of attention and praise.
“He’s brilliant. He’s a great pro who is excellent in human relations. His coming here is fantastic for us,” L’Equipe quoted an Ineos leader as saying.
Meanwhile, former OGC Nice owner, Jean-Pierre Rivère, has also heaped praise on Blanc.
“We have known each other since I arrived in football in 2011. I really appreciate him, it is a real pleasure to work with him. He is extremely competent and he embodies everything I love on a human level, with real values. He is frank, humble, efficient, pleasant on a daily basis. Jean-Claude ticked all the boxes for this project,” Rivère explained.
