Jason Wilcox under the microscope at Manchester United

Lisandro Martínez, of Manchester United, took aim at Jason Wilcox after a defeat at Atlético Madrid, with United 13th in the Premier League after just one win from six matches. The football director’s position is being questioned over his recruitment record and over his role in bringing in Ruben Amorim.

Pressure inside Old Trafford

Martínez’s criticism after the European loss is said to be shared by others at the club who “expect” more from a director of football. Supporters and staff point to results that can’t be explained solely by Michael Carrick, working with a squad they believe struggles with the demands of the Premier League and Europe’s elite.

Wilcox arrived at Old Trafford in April 2024, after a year as director of football at Southampton, and previously had been Manchester City’s academy director. At City, talents such as Phil Foden and Cole Palmer emerged during his time there. His rapid promotion at United is linked to Dan Ashworth’s short stay—five months—under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

The market question

The article notes that Wilcox was offered the chance to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, but passed, with the midfielder later joining Manchester City after his value rose. This summer, the club spent £155m on Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba, yet there was no money left for a left-back or an alternative striker—something fans have wanted answered.

In the Atlético match, Carrick started the 20-year-old centre-back Ayden Heaven out of position to cover Luke Shaw’s latest absence, used as proof of the squad’s thin margins. Ratcliffe has publicly backed Wilcox, saying in March 2025: “When I listen to Jason speak, I get what he’s saying.”