The 100-day rule and Ferrari ambition - How 'Lionel Messi of business' Jean-Claude Blanc would spearhead Man United revival

As 2023 draws to a close, Manchester United will be looking to leave more than a few things behind.

During the course of the last 12 months, United have been marred by an ongoing takeover saga which has loomed over every aspect of the club. Meaningful investment on and off the pitch has been put on hold as the Glazers weighed up their options.

Finally there appeared to be some movement as CEO Richard Arnold departed the Theatre of Dreams. That seemed to summon the beginning of the INEOS era but as yet the highly anticipated official confirmation of Sir Jim Ratcliffe taking his 25 per cent stake has yet to arrive.

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But the wait may not go on much longer. MEN Sport understands Sir Dave Brailsford has visited Carrington on several occasions to undergo meetings. On Friday, reports elsewhere added how further conversations between INEOS and United had begun as the conclusion to the takeover soap opera draws nearer.

With Ratcliffe's arrival comes the anticipation of changes. One could well come in the CEO position with Jean-Claude Blanc expected to be handed a big role behind the scenes. Blanc currently presides over the entire INEOS sporting project, a role he suits considering his accomplishments in the worlds of tennis, Winter Olympics, cycling and most importantly football. His 'Swiss Army Knife' abilities have earned the Frenchman quite the reputation.

"He is a bit like the Lionel Messi of sports business," Nice president Jean-Pierre Rivere told L'Equipe in April. "We have known each other since I arrived in football in 2011. I really like him, it’s a real pleasure to work with him.

"He is extremely competent and he embodies everything I