Manchester United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly ended the club's chances of signing one unnamed target this summer, with sporting director Jason Wilcox facing increasing scrutiny over the transfer window.
United were looking to strengthen their midfield, with Elliot Anderson among the potential targets. Wilcox is understood to have been a huge admirer of the England international, who joined rivals Manchester City from Nottingham Forest for £116m earlier this summer.
Budget constraints block Anderson move
However, the club decided against signing the former Newcastle United midfielder, bringing in Carlos Baleba for £70m, Andrey Santos for £50m and Youri Tielemans for £35m.
According to the Daily Mail, Ratcliffe's strict budget meant a move for Anderson was not financially viable given the restraints the club are working under. United were able to bring in two midfielders for the price of Anderson, with money left over for Baleba.
Agents describe Wilcox's difficult position
In the aforementioned report, one agent described Wilcox's position as 'incredibly difficult' with growing pressure on the United transfer chief following the disappointing summer transfer window.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, one agent said: "Jason is in an incredibly difficult position. Everybody would think he’s the decision-maker at the club, but he absolutely isn't."
"Manchester United is run by the owners, Sir Jim and the Glazers. If you sack Wilcox, nothing will change. It’s a mess." Another said: "We had a deal agreed with Jason and then Jim got involved and tried to change it. He ended up killing it."
Martinez criticises technical director
Wilcox was the target of a furious rant from Martinez after defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last week.
The Argentinian defender said: "I have to control myself a lot. But sometimes it's a reflection of how our club is at the moment, you know?"
"We did a fantastic season last season, and now we expect more from the top, from above, you know, to bring more players to compete, because many, many teams bring many players in as well, and today also, Atletico have an amazing team, and they deserved to win today."
"I expected more from our technical director. I have to be honest, you know? 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."
