Jason Wilcox's job as Manchester United's director of football is safe, despite a remarkable attack from Lisandro Martinez after the defeat to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night.
Martinez conducted contractual post-match broadcast interviews with Amazon Prime in the UK and CBS in the US, using both to launch a broadside at his club for showing a lack of ambition in the summer transfer window.
Martinez criticism and transfer concerns
Speaking to Amazon Prime, the 29-year-old said he "expected more from our technical director" and implied that questions should be directed to those above the head coach rather than to Carrick, after a run of just two wins in nine games in all competitions this season.
United spent £155million on first-team players this summer, less than the newly promoted duo Ipswich Town and Hull City, and Carrick was left with just one natural left-back in Luke Shaw and one natural striker in Benjamin Sesko. Both are now injured.
Back-up goalkeeper Karl Darlow arrived from Leeds on a free transfer, while Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans came in to refresh the midfield. All three started in Madrid.
But United waited too long to firm up interest in Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall, only making an enquiry once it had become clear the Magpies weren't going to sell, and they showed no appetite for signing competition or support for Sesko.
Wilcox's position and backing
Despite that, and despite the fact that Martinez's comments have a broad consensus of support amongst the squad, it is understood that Wilcox's position is safe at the moment.
The former Manchester City academy director arrived at Old Trafford as technical director in April 2024, before being promoted to director of football in June 2025, six months after the acrimonious exit of Dan Ashworth.
Wilcox has a strong working relationship with chief executive Omar Berrada from their time together at Manchester City and they were both at the Metropolitano stadium on Tuesday to see United fall to another defeat in what has been a dismal start to the season.
Crucially, Wilcox also has a strong rapport with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has backed his football judgement and praised his understanding of the game. Ratcliffe was also in Madrid.
Awkward timing and potential action
The club's co-owner dismissed Ashworth just four months into the job after failing to build that connection, but Wilcox has fared much better and there will be a reluctance to have to change approach again within the football leadership group.
But the timing is certainly awkward. Wilcox is a regular presence around the squad at Carrington and, along with Berrada, will be at the forefront of recommendations on Carrick's future.
The 45-year-old is feeling the heat after a poor start to the season, although Martinez's comments on Tuesday made it crystal clear the players were continuing to back their head coach.
United are still weighing up what action to take against Martinez. The squad were on a day off on Wednesday and the issue is set to be addressed on Thursday.
Ruben Amorim was sacked in January after he was publicly critical of Wilcox, although Martinez is unlikely to face the same fate. He could be fined, however, or even suspended from duty for a short period.
The Argentina international is out of contract this summer, although United have the option to extend his deal by another 12 months. Whether they now wish to do so is another matter.
