Forget about David Moyes and Martin O’Neill. To me, Laurent Blanc has what it takes to be the chosen one, the manager that will replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. Let me tell you why I believe that the Frenchman could be appointed at Old Trafford when Fergie retires.
Apart from having a beautiful first name, the former Red Devil has become the most promising young manager in the space of only two years while in charge of French champions Bordeaux.
It took the 1998 world champion five years to find the right position after hanging up his boots. He experienced a number of internships, including with Inter, and applied to become the new France boss, but missed out on the position due to his lack of experience.
He took charge of Les Girondins in summer 2007 and was voted manager of the season after leading the Ligue 1 side to second spot. A year later Bordeaux won the French league, the league cup and the equivalent of the Community Shield, and ended Lyon’s seven-year reign.
The 43-year-old is loved by his players for many reasons. First of all he has earned respect from his squad due to his brilliant career. The players do listen to his instructions carefully because they remember the winning mentality and classy player he used to be.
Secondly, the man who is dubbed “The President” for his charisma, always looks calm and relaxed, even when his team are struggling.
Cool as a wise old man, Blanc has the detachment that makes you realise he will never cross the line or overreact during the game.
Besides, there is little doubt his attacking tactics would win favour with the United fans if he was to become the next Old Trafford boss. Blanc’s tactics are offensive, most of the time based on a 4-4-2 and sometimes on a 4-5-1 system.
To become a top Premier League manager you have to achieve good results, but also to look comfortable during press conferences and present a good image of your club. This is not a problem for Blanc, who is the definition of charisma.
The tactician is not scared of mind games and always looks as if he is dominating the situation. Blanc is not Ricky Sbragia, no offense, but he looks like a winner.
No doubt his lack of Premier League experience as a coach is not an asset for Blanc, but top teams in Europe have changed tack and given responsibilities to inexperienced tacticians in Josep Guardiola, Ciro Ferrara, Leonardo, Gianfranco Zola. So why would United not follow their lead in the future?