Recruitment will not take precedence over Old Trafford’s future, according to Manchester United chief Jean-Claude Blanc.
In February, Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed ownership of 27.7% share in the team, and INEOS had taken over management of the football department.
Even if the club’s poor recruiting is undoubtedly a problem, INEOS may not approve spending at the same levels as in the previous 10 years. Rather, they will focus on making prudent purchases while trying to tidy up the club.
Old Trafford is one of the club’s primary problems. Ratcliffe would like to develop a new stadium on the grounds around the existing one for £2 billion, but it is not out of the question that INEOS would renovate the current stadium at a cost of about £1 billion.
Old Trafford is the top priority, according to Blanc, who now advises Ratcliffe while serving on United’s board.
‘The key is the quality of experience for the fans,’ said Blanc, in an interview with French newspaper La Tribune.
‘We must have the courage to invest in infrastructure rather than in players. This creates additional income which allows reinvestment in talent.
‘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. Modernisation or a 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.’
This would undoubtedly concern some supporters who believe the club needs players to be recruited and reinforcements made on a regular basis—something that can be easily done by going out in the transfer market.
However, what the United chief is discussing is a long term plan for the betterment of the club and it shows that we are heading in the right direction under the new leadership.
