Lisandro Martínez has publicly questioned the direction of Manchester United under technical director Jason Wilcox following a damaging defeat in Madrid. The defender's pointed comments after the 2-0 Champions League loss to Atlético Madrid have thrown a spotlight on the club's recruitment strategy and internal leadership.
Martínez spoke to Amazon Prime in the immediate aftermath of the match at the Metropolitano Stadium, where Pablo Barrios gave the hosts a lead inside the first minute and Ademola Lookman sealed the win late on. The 28-year-old World Cup winner was asked about the squad's quality for the Champions League. "I expected more," Martínez said. He added that every season is different and that a team cannot rely on past achievements, a clear reference to last season's third-place finish which he described as a "base to build an amazing team".
Wilcox's rapid rise
Jason Wilcox arrived at Old Trafford in April 2024 with a strong reputation forged at Manchester City's academy, where he oversaw the development of players like Phil Foden and Cole Palmer. He had spent less than a year as director of football at Southampton before his United appointment. Initially brought in to work under sporting director Dan Ashworth, Wilcox received a rapid promotion after Ashworth's own short five-month tenure under minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe concluded. Ratcliffe has previously spoken highly of Wilcox, telling reporters last year that he was "a warm character" who "knows what he's talking about". The billionaire once described him as having the "best eyes in the club".
Internal scrutiny grows
That close bond with Ratcliffe, whom Wilcox is often seen sitting beside at matches, is now under strain. The technical director was influential in the recruitment of head coach Ruben Amorim, but that experiment failed due to a breakdown in their relationship over tactical disagreements. Some staff have also expressed frustration at the number of former City Football Group appointments made since Wilcox's arrival, a group that includes chief executive Omar Berrada. With the team languishing in 13th place in the Premier League on just six points, and planning for a financially tight January window already underway, pressure is mounting. Supporters have stronger reservations about the director of football than they do about current manager Michael Carrick. Removing Wilcox would be a difficult personal decision for Ratcliffe but also a potential admission of failure from the club's leadership.
The squad's limitations were exposed in Madrid, where Carrick was forced to play 20-year-old centre-back Ayden Heaven out of position at left-back due to Luke Shaw's absence. This summer's significant midfield investment, which saw Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba arrive for a combined £155m, left no funds for a left-back or a backup striker. Key midfielder Manuel Ugarte is injured and has yet to find his best form, while the experienced Casemiro has departed. The team's recent form makes for grim reading, with no wins in their last five matches across all competitions.
Martínez's critique extends beyond the pitch. With a key away fixture against 7th-placed Leeds United at Elland Road next on the fixtures list, the scrutiny on Wilcox and the club's hierarchy will only intensify if results do not improve swiftly.
The report in full is at The Guardian Football
Manager Michael Carrick has issued an injury update ahead of Sunday's trip to face rivals Leeds at Elland Road. Carrick said, "We will see about Luke and Kobbie. Ben's got to have a few more checks." He confirmed Luke Shaw (thigh) and Kobbie Mainoo (knock) are doubts, while striker Benjamin Sesko (shin) is further away from a return. The club also confirmed Lisandro Martínez has apologised for his recent comments and is available for selection. United, currently 13th with six points, are on a winless run of five matches.
Paul Scholes has backed Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler as a potential replacement for Michael Carrick. The United legend said, "He's done great. He looks the real deal," on a podcast. Scholes also suggested Carrick might consider walking away. Meanwhile, free agent Antonio Conte would reportedly accept the job if offered, according to Italian reports. The scrutiny comes with United 13th in the Premier League, having taken just six points from six games.
