Jean-Claude Blanc Steps Away: Manchester United’s Off-Field Upheaval Continues at Old Trafford

In a move that signals ongoing turbulence at the top of Manchester United’s hierarchy, Jean-Claude Blanc has stepped down from his role as a club director—becoming the latest high-profile figure to exit a boardroom that has seen substantial turnover in recent times. The news, confirmed by official filings on 31 March and later acknowledged by the club, brings renewed scrutiny to United's evolving leadership and strategic direction.

Blanc, a seasoned executive with a portfolio that includes top roles at Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, had been an integral piece of United’s revamped management structure after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s partial purchase of the club last year. Tasked with overseeing aspects of the club’s operations and representing United in both European Club Association and Premier League meetings, his departure from the directorial board was unexpected by some observers, especially after only a short tenure.

Yet, the end of his directorship does not mean the end of his influence. Blanc will transition into a newly established position as Chief of International Football Relations and Special Adviser to the board, where he will continue to act as United’s international envoy. His remit includes key relations with football’s most powerful governing bodies—Uefa and Fifa—a role the club insists remains vital as it seeks to rebuild its foundational integrity and external relationships.

This re-positioning raises questions about the ongoing reconfiguration of United’s leadership. Blanc’s move follows a wave of departures in the post-Ratcliffe acquisition era, including the exit of CEO Richard Arnold, legal chief Patrick Stewart, and football director John Murtough. Earlier, sporting director Dan Ashworth left after just five months. The board now consists of a blend of new appointees—most notably Sir Dave Brailsford, another Ratcliffe confidant—and long-established figures such as Sir Alex Ferguson, David Gill, and members of the Glazer family.

What does this reshuffling mean for Manchester United? Observers note that while Blanc’s expertise and international connections remain an asset, the frequency of senior-level departures adds to a narrative of instability at Old Trafford. The club finds itself searching for on-pitch solutions as well, with the Red Devils languishing near the bottom of the Premier League table in one of their worst-ever seasons. Behind the scenes, United officials are said to be working desperately to revive fortunes and restore the club’s image.

Blanc’s versatile background—spanning executive roles at Juventus, PSG, the Olympic organising committee, and even the French Tennis Association—marks him as a diplomat and organiser of the first rank. But as interim CEO Omar Berrada and new financial chief Roger Bell now take a more prominent role at some of football’s biggest summits, the exact shape and impact of United’s new order remains under close watch.

Ultimately, the evolution of Manchester United’s leadership is as pivotal as any action on the pitch. Will this latest reshuffle fortify the club for future success—or does it risk deepening the sense of flux that has gripped Old Trafford? As always, United’s passionate supporters will be quick to offer their verdicts. Share your thoughts: Is United setting the stage for a brighter era, or merely prolonging an era of uncertainty?

• Jean-Claude Blanc
• Manchester United
• Sir Jim Ratcliffe