Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox has been singled out for criticism by defender Lisandro Martinez following the club's 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid. Martinez launched a furious post-match rant targeting the club's hierarchy, declaring: "I expect more from our technical director." He also criticised the club's summer business while backing manager Michael Carrick.
Who is Jason Wilcox?
Wilcox, 55, is an English football executive and former professional player who won the Premier League title with Blackburn Rovers in 1995. During his playing career, he operated as a left winger for clubs including Leeds United and Leicester City, while also earning three senior caps for England.
Before arriving at Old Trafford, Wilcox built a top-tier administrative reputation over 11 years at Manchester City, culminating in his role as academy director. In 2023, he left to become Southampton's director of football, where he oversaw all football operations until United negotiated his departure.
Rise at United and key decisions
Wilcox joined United as technical director in April 2024 before being officially promoted to director of football in June 2025. His role provides him with executive authority over first-team recruitment, player development pathways, tactical alignment and scouting operations.
Major decisions under his leadership include dismantling the club's previous transfer structure, resetting wage limits and guiding pivotal managerial transitions. He was central to managing internal coaching shifts, which ultimately led to Carrick being appointed head coach.
Summer business under scrutiny
During the summer window, Wilcox directed over £160million toward a midfield overhaul, bringing in Carlos Baleba (£65m), Andrey Santos (£48m) and Youri Tielemans (£35m), alongside free-agent goalkeeper Karl Darlow. However, failing to reinforce a depleted backline or secure a striker left the squad short on depth, prompting Martinez's criticism.
