Former Manchester United defender Laurent Blanc is preparing to move to England.

The Sunday Mirror says the former France manager, 47, who spent two seasons as a player with Manchester United, has set his sights on one day replacing Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.

World Cup winner Blanc enrolled on ­Monday at the prestigious Royan language school, near his Bordeaux home.

Blanc has been compelled to speak English at all times, including meal breaks.

"He has three teachers who make sure he does not slack off.

A source said: "Blanc has opted for an individual course in order to work more studiously and efficiently.

"He already has a good command of English, but he is sparing no effort to master the language even more."