Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox is under increased pressure after Lisandro Martinez criticised the club's board. The World Cup winner said he "expects more from our technical director" following a 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.
Martinez also said he "expects more from the top," blaming the board for a lack of summer investment. He attempted to divert responsibility from Michael Carrick, whom he said is "doing his best" with the squad at his disposal. Club legend Wayne Rooney rebuked Martinez for his "disrespectful" comments to the media.
Six free-agent options
If Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes heed of the player's comments, several directors in free agency could join United's cause immediately.
Jason Ayto unexpectedly left his role as Brighton's sporting director in June, only nine months after his arrival from Arsenal. The Athletic reported the split was down to "fundamental differences" over the data-led recruitment strategy promoted by Seagulls owner Tony Bloom. That's not to suggest Ayto, 41, isn't a proponent of data driving transfers; he is. However, in his 11 years at the Emirates Stadium, he grew accustomed to data being paired with normal in-person scouting measures and video analysis all playing an equal part in signings.
Inter and Chelsea experience
Piero Ausilio stepped down as Inter Milan's sporting director after 28 years at the San Siro. Speculation suggests the Italian has agreed to link up with compatriot Roberto De Zerbi from the January transfer window onwards, but that deal has yet to be made official. Inter proved particularly adept at snaffling up free agents and bargain signings in recent years, and Ausilio managed to make a £47.2million profit on Andre Onana.
Laurence Stewart will step down from his role as Chelsea co-sporting director after four years. Prior to Stamford Bridge, Stewart served as technical director at Monaco for almost three years. His previous scouting work at RB Leipzig earned him a promotion to Red Bull's global head of scouting, while he's also recruited for Manchester City and Everton in the past.
Risky picks and proven pedigree
Jared Dublin joined Hull City as head of recruitment in 2024 and was promoted to sporting director later that year. Despite barely avoiding relegation to League One in his first season, his work was felt in the promotion push of 2026. He left the club over an alleged salary disagreement before the Premier League success.
Michael Edwards worked at Liverpool for the better part of 15 years. He first left Anfield as sporting director in 2022 before returning two years later as CEO of Fenway Sports Group (FSG). His reputation was somewhat tarnished by recent campaigns, such as the handling of Mohamed Salah's exit and a decline in the kind of signings that first brought about Jurgen Klopp's success.
Sebastian Kehl spent the past four years as Borussia Dortmund sporting director before leaving in March. During that time, the club bought or promoted stars like Serhou Guirassy, Felix Nmecha, Karim Adeyemi, Julian Ryerson, Jamie Gittens, Nico Schlotterbeck and many others, all on a relatively thin budget. Kehl is accustomed to stretching his bankroll to the fullest.
