Jason Wilcox is not in danger of losing his Manchester United job, according to BBC Sport. The report follows Lisandro Martinez’s criticism of the club’s recruitment.
Manchester United correspondent Simon Stone also reports that the club’s recruitment department is working on potential January targets. Left-back competition for Luke Shaw and striking support for Benjamin Sesko are the two areas identified.
That reported backing follows Martinez’s comments after the defeat at Atletico Madrid. The defender’s criticism has created another issue for Michael Carrick to handle. BBC Sport’s reporting does not point to an imminent departure for Wilcox.
Jason Wilcox position backed by United sources
Stone reports that United sources say the director of football is not in danger of losing his job. That is an attributed account of the club’s position, rather than a public statement from Jason Wilcox.
Summer recruitment and Wilcox’s position are separate questions. Did the signings meet the squad’s needs? Is the executive responsible for football operations about to leave?
Martinez’s comments have intensified the first debate. According to the BBC report, they have not changed the answer to the second.
Jason Wilcox criticism draws dressing-room response
A separate Guardian report by Jamie Jackson adds another part of the picture. It says more players share Martinez’s frustration with Jason Wilcox over recruitment and squad depth.
That does not mean every player welcomed his public remarks. Jackson reports that at least one teammate challenged Martinez before the flight home. The player asked him to identify who he believed was not good enough, heightening tension within the group.
The Guardian reported on Wednesday that Martinez could face internal disciplinary action. In a subsequent BBC Sport report on Thursday evening, Sami Mokbel said the defender had apologised following talks with the club. BBC Sport also understands that Martinez has been fined.
In a further statement posted on Instagram on Wednesday, Martinez said he had spoken out of “anger and frustration” after the defeat. Reuters reported his explanation on Thursday.
“I know that, first and foremost, it’s us, the players, who have to deliver, and I put myself at the front of that responsibility,” he said. Martinez also expressed belief in his teammates, manager and those working to move the club forward.
That Wednesday statement explained Martinez’s feelings. The later apology and reported fine are a separate development; neither report announces a change to Jason Wilcox’s position.
January planning focuses on two squad gaps
BBC Sport reports that United accept flaws in the summer strategy. They did not add left-back competition for Shaw or striking support for Sesko. The recruitment department under Jason Wilcox is now working on possible January targets.
Those are planning priorities, not completed deals. The report does not identify an agreed signing, a bid or a guaranteed January arrival.
For supporters, the useful distinction is between recognising a gap and filling it. Jason Wilcox and the recruitment department still have to turn that work into decisions. Carrick must manage the players currently available.
Carrick faces another question before Leeds
The immediate challenge remains the trip to Leeds. Stone writes that Carrick will face further questions about Martinez’s comments when he speaks to the media before that game.
That leaves Carrick managing both the response to defeat and the reaction to Martinez’s public criticism. The reports on Jason Wilcox’s position and the dressing-room tension describe separate issues. The club’s backing for its director does not settle how the players move forward together.
Our report on Martinez’s recruitment criticism covers the original comments. The latest BBC Sport analysis by Simon Stone adds the reported position on Jason Wilcox and the work being done for January.
