Man United chief breaks silence on Old Trafford plan with key transfer warning diehards may not like

Manchester United board member Jean-Claude Blanc has suggested addressing Old Trafford's future could be prioritised over investing in the transfer market for players.

Claude Blanc has a longstanding relationship with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has gained control over football operations at United after officially acquiring a minority stake last month.

The Frenchman has been added to United's board alongside Sir Dave Brailsford. The pair will offer strategic advice and work with incoming CEO Omar Berrada, who is set to join United from Manchester City in the summer after serving a period of gardening leave.

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Claude Blanc has a wealth of experience in football after holding CEO positions at Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain and many expected him to be given that role at United. He is set to be a sounding board for Ratcliffe instead and he spoke to French newspaper La Tribune over the weekend to discuss INEOS' plans in Manchester.

Ratcliffe has previously said on-field performance would be prioritised, but Claude Blanc suggested addressing the future of Old Trafford should be at the top of the agenda. The state of the stadium has become a key talking point for fans.

“The key is the quality of experience for the fans," he said. "We must have the courage to invest in infrastructure rather than in players. This creates additional income which allows reinvestment in talent.

“I started my career following the construction of a temporary stadium for the opening of the Albertville Games. At Juventus, there was the design and construction of a 41,500-seat stadium.

"At PSG, we have worked a lot to