Jason Wilcox's position as Manchester United's director of football remains secure despite a pointed attack from Lisandro Martínez following Tuesday's defeat to Atlético Madrid, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Martínez used his post-match media duties with Amazon Prime in the UK and CBS in the US to criticize the club's lack of ambition during the summer transfer window. Speaking to Amazon Prime, the 29-year-old said he "expected more from our technical director" and suggested that scrutiny should fall on those above head coach Michael Carrick rather than on Carrick himself, following a run of just two wins in nine games across all competitions this season.
United spent £155 million ($204 million) on first-team signings over the summer, a figure that fell short of what newly promoted Ipswich Town and Hull City spent. That left Carrick with only one recognized left-back, Luke Shaw, and one recognized striker, Benjamin Šeško, both of whom are currently sidelined through injury. Back-up goalkeeper Karl Darlow arrived on a free transfer from Leeds United, while Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans were brought in to strengthen midfield; all three featured in Madrid.
United also waited too long in pursuing Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall, only registering interest once it was clear the Magpies had no intention of selling, and showed little urgency in bringing in cover for Šeško.
Despite Martínez's comments reportedly enjoying widespread backing within the squad, Wilcox's position is understood to remain secure for now. The former Manchester City academy director joined Old Trafford as technical director in April 2024 before his promotion to director of football in June 2025, six months after Dan Ashworth's contentious departure.
Wilcox has a solid working relationship with chief executive Omar Berrada dating back to their time together at Manchester City, and both attended the Metropolitano to watch United's latest defeat. He is also said to enjoy a strong relationship with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has endorsed his footballing knowledge. Ratcliffe was also present in Madrid.
Ratcliffe previously dismissed Ashworth just four months into his tenure after failing to build that same rapport, but Wilcox is understood to have performed considerably better, making the club reluctant to change direction in the football leadership structure again.
Still, the timing is awkward. Wilcox remains a regular presence around the squad at the Carrington training facility and, alongside Berrada, will be central to any recommendations on Carrick's future. Carrick is under pressure following a difficult start to the season, though Martínez's comments made clear the players continue to back their head coach.
Carrick himself later said he had not heard Martínez's remarks and declined to address them directly, instead turning his focus to the club's next match.
United are still weighing disciplinary action against Martínez. The squad had Wednesday off, with the matter expected to be discussed on Thursday. Ruben Amorim was dismissed in January after publicly criticizing Wilcox, though Martínez is considered unlikely to face the same outcome. He could, however, face a financial penalty or a brief suspension from his duties.
Martínez's contract expires this summer, with United holding an option to extend it by a further 12 months. Whether the club still wishes to exercise that option remains a separate question.
