France legend Blanc lined up for Man Utd job

France legend and current Bordeaux manager Laurent Blanc has been earmarked as the man to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United’s manager.

It is understood that Ferguson will remain in the job until at least the end of next season but the club has put a short-list in place and ex-defender Blanc has emerged as the frontrunner.

Blanc took over at Bordeaux in June 2007 and has led the club to a second-placed finish (2007-08) as well as the 2008-09 French Ligue 1 title.

A United insider confirmed that Blanc was being considered for the job down the track and said his relationship with Ferguson, whom he ended his playing career under at Old Trafford, was a key factor.

“Replacing Sir Alex will be the toughest job since Matt Busby left the club,” the insider said.

“It isn’t just about winning at United. It’s about playing the game the right way and upholding the traditions.

“There is a lot of admiration at Old Trafford for the job Blanc has done at Bordeaux and the style of play he has imposed.

“It is no secret at the club that he became close to Sir Alex when he was a United player. There is still a lot of mutual respect.”

Get involved. Your opinion matters - like us on

Tribalfootball Store

Manchester United 1985 Home Retro Tracksuit Jacket Made by Score Draw Colour Black/White/Red

£39.99 Buy

Manchester United 11/12 N98 Anthem Jacket Made By Nike Official Manchester United N98 Champions League Anthem Jacket used by the Squad before match and traveling Colour Red

£34.99 Buy

Manchester United 11/12 Authentic Players GS Polo Shirt Made By Nike Official Manchester United GS Media Polo used by the Squad during Pre & Post match Interviews.

£29.99 Buy

Adidas F10 Indoor Football Trainers Made by Adidas. Optimize your lateral quickness, acceleration and handling with the new adidas F10.

£49.99 Buy

adiPure 11 Pro XTRX SG Football Boots Made By Adidas The Classic Adipure has been given a full make over and also a Brain ! The adiPure 11 Pro Sole unit has Plus Flex to enable full Natural Movement.

£109.99 Buy

adiPower Predator DB TRX FG Football Boots Made by Adidas The Lightest Predator Ever, Featuring Traxion outsole, Sprintframe construction and Proven Predator Technology for Skillful Touch.

£99.99 Buy

Manchester United Club Competition Sideline Jacket Made By Nike Designed with strategic ventilation and a comfortable fit. With team symbols and colours, this jacket is a pre-match essential.

£49.99 Buy

Bordeaux 10/11 Third Football Shirt Made By Puma Girondins de Bordeaux 10/11 Puma Third/European Shirt Colour Purple/ White

£19.99 Buy