It is almost 10 months since Jason Wilcox was in the line of fire when Ruben Amorim gave an explosive post-match news conference at Leeds that triggered his dismissal. Amorim was furious that Manchester United's director of football had subtly advised him to change tactics for the previous game against Wolves. Less than 24 hours later, Amorim was sacked, and the focus fell on Wilcox's role.
Now Wilcox is in the crosshairs again. Lisandro Martinez, after the 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid, said: "I expect more from our technical director." Working as a post-match interviewer for CBS, Peter Schmeichel tried four times to steer Martinez away from United's summer transfer window, but the Argentina defender refused to be deflected. "We don't have the best squad at the moment compared to other top teams," said Martinez. "We need more ambition. If we don't say the truth, nothing will change."
BBC Sport was told by dressing room sources that the club needed to sign more players than the three who arrived, Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba, and that the gaps at left-back and striker were "fairly obvious". One source described the current situation as "a mess".
Martinez's contract expires at the end of the season, and United have the option to extend it by a year. Some observers ask whether his outspoken criticism is an attempt to ensure that option is not triggered. Meanwhile, Carrick faces more questions before Sunday's trip to Leeds, and sources insist Wilcox, 55, is not in danger of losing his job.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing