Manchester United reportedly considered Russell Martin as a candidate in the process to replace Erik ten Hag as head coach. According to The Athletic, Jason Wilcox spoke highly of the then-38-year-old but recognised that his experience meant he was not the right fit for United.
Wilcox's connection to Martin
The United director of football previously worked with Martin during his time in the Southampton hierarchy and was said to be keeping an eye on the tactician. Martin, now the Leicester City boss, was discussed positively during a period of uncertainty when Ten Hag faced the sack before the FA Cup final win over Manchester City in 2024.
Club officials decided against dismissing the Dutchman that summer after the triumph, but they subsequently parted ways with the former Ajax boss the following October.
Similar predicament at Old Trafford
During their time together at Southampton, Wilcox stuck with Martin after a difficult start before the club earned promotion thanks to a 25-match unbeaten run.
Wilcox now faces a similar situation at Old Trafford, with Michael Carrick and the club hierarchy under pressure over a poor run of results. Since INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe took minority ownership, the club has struggled to reverse its slump despite appointing Ten Hag, Ruben Amorim and most recently Carrick.
The 45-year-old secured Champions League football after replacing the Portuguese tactician, earning the role on a permanent basis. However, momentum has faded, and Carrick is now under threat as the side sits above the relegation zone on goal difference.
Carrick and Martin's recent struggles
Carrick looked set to be the first manager sacked in the Premier League this season after a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth last Sunday. The hierarchy kept him in post for the trip to Stamford Bridge, but he could not inspire a comeback, losing 2-0 with Lisandro Martinez sent off for two quickfire bookings.
Martin's managerial reputation has declined since leaving Southampton. He moved to the Scottish Premiership to take over Rangers, replacing Philippe Clement, but was dismissed after 17 games at Ibrox. He has since returned to management to try to transform the fortunes of Leicester City, the 2016 Premier League champions, who have slipped into League One.
Martin is facing fresh pressure at Leicester, with the club sitting in 10th in the third tier of English football.
Former defender Gary Neville has called for more accountability from high-profile figures, particularly at Old Trafford, over persistent failings with managers and in the transfer window. He said: "The fans have turned on Jason Wilcox in the second half. Now Jason Wilcox, again, shouldn’t be in the position. Jason Wilcox is a technical director who’s had an academy director background, who’s making a journey up, underneath the sporting director, all of a sudden, he’s then making the biggest decisions at one of the biggest football clubs in the world. And again, he’s been thrust into a position ahead of his time."
