Laurent Blanc spoke to Man Utd about becoming manager in 2014; keen to manage in England, Spain and Italy

Former Manchester United defender Laurent Blanc has put his name in contention for the Manchester United job by revealing he would like a different challenge by managing in England, Spain or Italy.

Blanc has not managed since being in charge of Paris Saint-Germain, United’s upcoming Champions League opponents, but that role ended back in 2016.

“I had a call from a director, I’d prefer not to say who, and some discussion,” Blanc told The Times.

“But I was in Paris so it was very difficult for me to leave. We kept in touch but they went with Van Gaal in the end.”

Sky Sports News claims Blanc was considered following Jose Mourinho’s sacking in December before giving the caretaker position to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

However, our understanding of the situation in December is Blanc had his entourage put his name in the ring, rather than United making the first approach. He also wanted the job on a full-time basis rather than coming in as interim boss.

Blanc is looking for something different after spending his entire managerial career to date in France.

He turned to management in 2007 when he tookover Bordeaux and won Ligue 1 in 2009, as well as the Couple de la Ligue and Trophee des Champions the same season.

Then a call to become France manager came and Blanc couldn’t resist but it only lasted two years, but Blanc still went on to win three league titles with PSG, two Coupe de France, three Coupe de la Ligue, and three Trophee des Champions.

“Managing in England is a big ambition,” he added. “I have big experience at Paris. 

“It’s difficult for me to go to another club in France. I want a different challenge in England, Spain or Italy. I played in those countries, I know them, so I keep going to games and I see what calls come in.” 

Blanc sounding a bit on the desperate side about returning to management, but you can’t blame him for that and there aren’t many options in France after managing PSG.

More Stories Laurent Blanc Manchester United PSG