Blanc: Rio will show me the way forward
The 36-year-old former French international has been called a model professional by Old Trafford chief Sir Alex Ferguson.
And, in the wake of Ferdinand’s £29.3million arrival from Leeds, Ferguson claimed the season his new signing would play alongside Blanc would prove invaluable to his aim of becoming the world’s best centre-half.
Blanc was persuaded to shelve plans for retirement after enjoying a successful second half of last season.
He is set to appear alongside his new partner for the first time tomorrow when United take on hosts Ajax in their opening game of the prestigious four-team tournament at the Amsterdam Arena.
But rather than offer Ferdinand a guiding hand, Blanc, who famously missed out on a World Cup final appearance in 1998 after being sent off in the semi-final against Croatia, insists he has as much to gain from the arrival of Britain’s most expensive player.
‘‘I would never consider myself as a teacher,’’ he said.
‘‘When you look at a player like Rio Ferdinand it’s a two-way thing. It’s not just me passing on experience, I can learn from him just as much. There is a great desire among the players to help each other out.
‘‘At 23 he has already played to a very high standard and has a lot of experience. He is a great defender.’’
Blanc admitted the failure to land a trophy in his first season in England was a prime motivating factor in his decision to stay on.
After a shaky start to life in the Premiership, when Blanc was accused of being too slow and blamed for the disastrous autumn run which saw United’s title hopes derailed, the Frenchman became their most composed defender.
The Old Trafford supporters warmed to his laid-back style and there were few dissenters when Ferguson offered him another one-year contract. Ferdinand’s arrival offers the pace which Blanc lacks, and the steadier central defensive partnership should enable United to launch a sustained assault on Arsenal’s championship crown.
‘‘It was disappointing not to get any silverware last year,’’ said Blanc.
‘‘All the players here have a strong desire to play for Manchester United and do well. It is one of the reasons why I wanted to come back for another year.’’
This weekend’s competition, which also features a clash with Italian side Parma on Sunday, will be the first time the full United squad have been together during the pre-season build-up.
Ferdinand and the rest of his England World Cup team-mates flew to Holland yesterday after missing the first leg of a 10-day trip which also took in a couple of matches in Scandinavia.
The opening encounter saw United overcome Norwegian side Valerenga 2-1, with Diego Forlan playing a starring role.
The Uruguayan has failed to find the target in competitive action following his £7million move to England. However he gave his confidence a lift by netting for his country in the World Cup and looks set to fulfil the promise which saw Ferguson shell out such a substantial sum for his services.
Forlan is certain to figure against Ajax as Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue to rest a minor shin injury.
The Dutchman also missed the Valerenga encounter but is hopeful of returning to face Parma, who open the competition against Barcelona this evening.
Twelve months ago, United undertook a gruelling trip to the Far East, almost as a corporate exercise for their growing following in Asia.
While the need for the tour was understood, it was also felt the travelling left Ferguson’s squad drained. Even though many of them spent the summer in the same part of the world, skipper Roy Keane feels there will be a benefit to this week’s more concentrated training camp.
‘‘I said at the time it was a long way to go for a pre-season tour,’’ said Keane.
‘‘We do go on these long trips but from the players’ point of view it is good to have this tournament just two hours’ flight away over a 10-day spell.’’
On Monday, United head to Denmark for a clash with Aarhus the following day. They then return to Manchester where they will face Boca Juniors at Old Trafford on August 10, with the proceeds going to the UNICEF charity.
Then it will be down to business in a Champions League qualifier, possibly in Hungary against Zalaegerszek, who take a 1-0 advantage into their second leg against Croatia’s NK Zagreb next week.
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