Former Manchester United defender Laurent Blanc has revealed he was approached about becoming the club's manager over a decade ago, as speculation intensifies over who will succeed the recently sacked Ruben Amorim.
Blanc's Past Contact with United Directors
The Frenchman, who is currently out of work after leaving Saudi side Al-Ittihad in September 2025, claimed he held discussions with a United director in 2014. This was following the dismissal of David Moyes, before the club ultimately appointed Louis van Gaal.
"I had a call from a director, I'd prefer not to say who, and some discussion," Blanc told The Times at the time. "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."
A Candidate in the Current Search?
Blanc's name has re-emerged in the bookmakers' odds following Monday's decision to part ways with Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese coach's tenure was cut short after a dismal debut campaign where United finished 15th in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham.
Amorim was dismissed having won just 24 of his 63 matches in charge. The club stated the move was made to give the team "the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish" this season.
While Blanc, now 60, may be considered an outsider, he has previously expressed a strong desire to manage in England's top flight. "Managing in England is a big ambition," he said in 2014. "I want a different challenge in England, Spain or Italy."
A Crowded Field for the Old Trafford Hotseat
The search for Amorim's permanent replacement is wide open. Former United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his ex-assistant Michael Carrick are reportedly favourites to take the role on an interim basis, following Darren Fletcher's initial appointment as caretaker.
Other names linked with the prestigious job include:
- Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner.
- Former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca.
- Barcelona legend Xavi.
Blanc, who won the Premier League with United as a player under Sir Alex Ferguson between 2001 and 2003, boasts significant managerial experience. His CV includes three Ligue 1 titles with Paris Saint-Germain, a French championship with Bordeaux, and a spell in charge of the French national team.
Whether the club's leadership will look to a familiar face with unfinished business, or seek a completely new direction, remains the burning question at Old Trafford.
