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INEOS sport’s chief executive Jean-Claude Blanc has revealed Manchester United must not be afraid to prioritise funding a new stadium instead of investing in the playing squad.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS’ purchase of a 28% stake in United was ratified last month and plans are underway to reshape the club’s future.
Key decisions will involve how to rebuild or renovate Old Trafford, while the playing squad will need tending to and the future of manager Erik ten Hag may also come into question.
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In an interview with French newspaper La Tribune, Blanc – who will advise United in his role with INEOS and has previous experience in senior management roles with PSG and Juventus – spoke of the need to prioritise the fans when it comes to investment.
“The key is the quality of experience for the fans. We must have the courage to invest in infrastructure rather than in players,” he said.
“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.”
When asked about plans for the ‘modernisation’ of Old Trafford, Blanc replied: “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.”
