Manchester United's sporting director Jason Wilcox should learn from Lisandro Martinez's public outburst and communicate with supporters after a difficult start to the season.
United released an interview with Wilcox at the end of October last year, when he spoke on the club's in-house podcast and did a 'walk and talk' at Carrington. He discussed the club's latest signings, the transfer strategy and progress under Ruben Amorim.
United had won three games in a row, beating Sunderland, Brighton and Liverpool, so the timing was opportune for Wilcox to finally speak publicly.
Wilcox's previous comments on transfers
"We know what we have got to do, we know the areas of the team that we have got to improve," Wilcox said of the transfer strategy. "For us to get into the top four and to consistently challenge for Champions League places, win the Champions League, and to win Premier Leagues, we have got to invest in the squad. We have got to buy the right players."
"The right players who are talented but also who can deal with the pressure, who can take the squad forward. It is not always about just signing elite talent, they have got to have the right character and be somebody who can bring something different to the team."
"We are really happy with where we are, we know we have got to improve and, you know, the players, they will never be satisfied, Ruben will never be happy, I will never be happy, it is just how we are built. We are always looking to improve. Anybody who works at United should be thinking the same and they do, with the standards we are driving every day."
Communication needed after tough start
Wilcox was happy to speak when United were winning, but communication is required after a tough start to the season, especially in light of Martinez's comments after the club failed to adequately strengthen the squad in the summer.
Michael Carrick has been left to answer questions about recruitment and why United did not sign a left-back and a striker, a decision that has already backfired due to injuries.
In a pre-season interview in August, Carrick faced an awkward moment when a reporter questioned whether United could win the league with an ownership not prepared to spend as much as the best clubs. It was a question deemed unfair for Carrick to answer, but it was only put to him because Premier League managers are the only club employees regularly put in front of the media.
Martinez's criticism of technical director
Sporting directors in Britain should communicate more because they oversee recruitment, meaning Wilcox is best placed to explain the summer transfer policy, which has been heavily criticised.
Martinez's stunning interview following the loss to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night strengthened the argument for Wilcox to speak.
"I expected more from our technical director. I have to be honest, you know," Martinez said. "And also, as players, we have to do more, but it's also important when you make a strong squad to be ready for these kinds of nights."
Wilcox owes fans answers and the simple solution is to come out and speak. Everyone seems to be in the dark over why United didn't strengthen the areas in need of attention over the summer - Wilcox had the chance to explain his thinking but stayed quiet.
