Manchester United explain Jean-Claude Blanc future as Ineos plan to raid F1 team for behind-the-scenes appointment

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Ineos are attempting to bring success to Manchester United and more off-field changes are now coming.

This has been a season to forget in many regards for Manchester United.

United look set for a bottom-half finish in the Premier League and will not be in a position to defend the FA Cup.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe admitted a mistake keeping Erik ten Hag as the Dutchman left in October, whilst Dan Ashworth’s December exit caused major surprise.

Ineos are yet to convince many supporters, with decisions both on and off the pitch leaving much to be desired.

• READ MORE: Who is Sir Jim Ratcliffe? Net Worth, Businesses, Man Utd deal

Manchester United confirm Jean-Claude Blanc decision

United set tongues wagging on Monday as the club’s Companies House records showed the termination of Jean-Claude Blanc’s role as a director.

The Frenchman is a key part of the Ineos structure, serving as their CEO of Sport.

Blanc was on the Board of Directors at Old Trafford, but his role is now changing.

United have released a statement confirming that Blanc has stepped down from being a director.

It’s stated that Blanc will still have an active role at United and will serve in a new position as ‘Chief of International Football Relations’ whilst also offering advice to Ineos.

“Jean-Claude Blanc has stepped down from his position as a director of Manchester United, however he will continue to have an active role in the management of the club in his new position as Chief of International Football Relations and Special Adviser to the board,” said United.

Blanc is clearly highly regarded by Ratcliffe and Ineos, but his role at United will change moving forward.

• READ MORE: Who are INEOS? Exploring Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s billion-pound business

Ineos line up F1 appointment

As Blanc moves into a new role at United, Ineos are pushing to finalise another behind-the-scenes addition.

The Daily Mail report that United are set to raid the Mercedes F1 team for the services of Michael Sansoni.

Sansoni currently operates as a senior performance simulation engineer for Mercedes.

The plan now is for Sansoni to move into data analysis at United, with Ineos officials believing that he has transferrable skills from F1 to football.

Ineos have not only invested in Mercedes but are also principal partners of the team – and that paves the way for Sansoni to move across.

That is quite the move for Sansoni, but given that Ineos place real faith in former cycling guru Sir Dave Brailsford in football, somebody switching sports to join the Ineos project perhaps shouldn’t be a surprise.