Director of football Jason Wilcox is facing increasing pressure at Manchester United. According to The Athletic, attention is shifting from head coach Michael Carrick to Wilcox due to poor team results and public criticism from Lisandro Martinez.
Discontent towards Wilcox has been expressed both by fans and within the football community. Following the home defeat to Bournemouth, fans at Old Trafford openly voiced their opinions on the director. He was also subjected to criticism from supporters during an away match at Stamford Bridge.
Criticism following comments from Martinez and Schmeichel
Additional scrutiny on Wilcox was sparked by comments made by Lisandro Martinez after the defeat to Atletico and a 1-4 loss to Como. The defender publicly criticised the club’s situation, and some sources suggest that other players share his views.
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel also commented on those in leadership positions at the club. When asked if he meant Wilcox when speaking about individuals who once considered Manchester United as rivals but now make decisions within the organisation, Schmeichel responded, "I think he is one of them, yes."
Wilcox’s past has also been a topic of discussion. Prior to joining Manchester United, he managed the academy at Manchester City. Additionally, as a player, he represented Blackburn, who finished ahead of the Manchester club in the fight for the Premier League title in 1995.
Transfer policy a major point of contention
The bulk of the criticism centres around the summer transfer window. Manchester United’s management focused on strengthening the midfield, signing three players for approximately £160 million.
However, the club did not acquire a new left-back or centre-forward. Injuries subsequently affected these positions, raising questions about the squad planning. According to sources at The Athletic, some players share Martinez's concerns regarding the management's transfer approach.
After the public criticism, the Argentine held a meeting with Wilcox. The director of football explained the club's financial situation, while Martinez reportedly raised several justified questions.
In defence of Wilcox, it is argued that he has been working under strict financial constraints imposed by the owners. Supporters of the director believe that signing one expensive player, such as Elliot Anderson, could have left the team with insufficient squad depth.
However, critics point to the cost of Andrey Santos, for which approximately £50 million was paid, with some from Chelsea's camp stating that the true value of the player is around half that amount.
Wilcox's role in coaching decisions
Wilcox joined Manchester United as technical director in April 2024. After Dan Ashworth's departure in December of the same year, he became director of football.
His appointment was supported by club leaders. Sir Jim Ratcliffe praised Wilcox’s ability to find players, while chief executive Omar Berrada was one of his advocates.
However, Wilcox himself acknowledged that he wants to be involved in the coaching staff’s work.
"Deep down, I’m a coach," he has said.
According to sources, Wilcox insisted on changing the playing system under Ruben Amorim. This became one of the factors in the tension leading up to the conflict at the Carrington training base and the subsequent dismissal of the Portuguese.
He was also involved in crucial discussions regarding Michael Carrick’s future after the defeat to Bournemouth. Sources claim that Wilcox would like to show patience with the head coach but simultaneously expects more both from the manager and the players.
Pressure not only on Carrick
Appointing a third head coach in three years midway through the season would be a significant blow to the club’s reputation, which has repeatedly promised to ensure stability. However, questions are now arising not only about Carrick.
Amid sporting failures and criticism of the summer transfer campaign, Wilcox’s position has also come under scrutiny. The director will have to answer for the decisions made, the quality of squad assembly, and the chosen model of interaction with the head coach.
The crisis at Manchester United is gradually becoming less about the managerial position alone: criticism increasingly touches on those responsible for the club's strategy.
