Laurent Blanc, The Next Sir Alex?

By: Jennifer | November 19th, 2009

133559_laurent_blanc_reflexion

There have been reports that Blanc is the United’s #1 in terms of replacing Sir Alex when he retires (which health permitting might be in a season or two). I can see why Blanc would be an excellent choice for United, and I know that if indeed Sir Ferguson does retire, Blanc will certainly be the man to fill in the position very nicely. (Or indeed, Jose Mourinho’s spot when he goes to Real Madrid*, or even Domenech’s position.)

I’m a big fan of Blanc as our manager and the logic he applies our game here. Most of the strategies and the moves he makes make sense. I understand why he starts a certain player or substitutes another, and I appreciate his good taste in selecting players (with the exception of Placente). I have no doubt that bringing Ciani to Bordeaux had a great deal to do with him.

A quick look at Blanc’s current record with Bordeaux on scapulaire.com shows that Bordeaux wins at home 69% of the time and 50% of the time away. The away percentage is quite high compared a lot of the previous coaches (this is why I love scapulaire.com AND all their stats.) Blanc has quite the record. Guiding Bordeaux to a second place finish in his first year of coaching, and then a L1 title, and now early qualifications to Champions League, and though with spotty performances here and there, a top table standing in L1.

Blanc to United is just a little bit farfetched, but it does make sense seeing as Fergie did try his best (and succeeded) to get Blanc as a player. He has also attempted to bring Blanc in as an assistant coach but that was not accepted. However, it is evident that Blanc and Fergie are on extremely good terms…seeing Blanc’s reaction to Gaby Obertan’s recent move to United, I don’t doubt that Blanc had something to do with it. (In a related note, Gaby has been toted to take over Nani’s beleaguered spot and is apparently doing quite well indeed. Oh how I tear up with pride.) There are now also rumours at an United bid (an alleged £13 million versus Arsenal’s meagre £7.5 million) on Marouane Chamakh. Wenger should be fearful of Ferguson indeed, but of course he doesn’t want Chamakh anymore…..

I guess the point that I’m trying to make here, while writing this at 4am when I should be designing, is that if Blanc can make so much out of our squad and our meagre resources, imagine what he can accomplish with the vast resources at United? For me, Blanc has always been a coach (alas not for a long time) that made the most out of his resources and what he has. He always finds the best that his money can get (which in Placente’s case was almost free). While some people complain that his lineups always seem to depend on a few players (Chamakh, Gourcuff, say what you will), there is no doubt that he always tries to field the best possible and the most logical combination.

Blanc to Inter is quite plausible as well. The job isn’t as prestigious as taking over the reins at Old Trafford, but makes sense for Moratti to hire an ex-player. To be honest, as an Inter fan (hahahahahahhahaha no jokes here), I will actually resume following Inter if Blanc went.

I’m really curious to see what your reactions are to Blanc’s possibly departure from the club after bringing us so much. I forsee a great exodus of talent, from Gaby (already), to Chamakh (soon), then Gourcuff (obviously) to even Blanc, then many many other players. If Blanc does leave, who will be suitable to take over?

*I’m not justifying goal.com’s credibility in anyway, just a rumour that has been propogating.

P.S.: Happy birthday Laurent Blanc I was really trying to get this post up today just for your birthday.