Lisandro Martínez’s criticism of Jason Wilcox’s performance as Manchester United’s director of football appears to echo wider concerns in the dressing room over transfer decisions and the squad’s lack of depth. However, the defender’s remarks are also being interpreted as an attempt to facilitate a transfer, with his contract due to expire next summer.
Martínez made the contentious remarks following Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League loss away to Atlético Madrid. The result meant United had recorded only two victories all season, while Michael Carrick’s side had collected six points from their opening six Premier League fixtures—the club’s worst league start in four decades.
Although the poor run has increased scrutiny on Carrick, Martínez directed his frustration towards Wilcox and the club’s senior leadership.
“It is easy to blame the coach or the players tonight, but we must also examine what is happening in other parts of the club,” he said while gesturing upwards. “I definitely expected greater investment and more from our technical director, Jason Wilcox. The players need to improve too, but building a strong squad capable of handling matches like this is equally important.”
Wilcox, who oversees transfer activity, managed spending of £155m during the most recent window to sign Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba. His decision to add three midfielders without reinforcing other positions has caused confusion among members of the squad. This is particularly notable because the club had sought a left-back, with Newcastle’s Lewis Hall identified as its preferred option.
Luke Shaw remains United’s only experienced senior player at left-back, but injuries have repeatedly disrupted his 12 years with the club. The 31-year-old was unavailable for both the defeat in Madrid and Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Tottenham because of a muscular issue.
The shortage of options at left-back has strengthened the belief among players that Carrick has not received the resources required to compete effectively. United also exited the Carabao Cup against Brighton after making eight changes to the starting lineup.
Carrick guided United to third place last season, but he had taken temporary charge in mid-January and needed to oversee only 17 league fixtures because the team had already been knocked out of every other competition.
Martínez is believed to be interested in leaving, preferably for a leading European club outside the Premier League.
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