Wilcox endorsed Martin as future United manager during 2024 search

Jason Wilcox, Manchester United's director of football, gave a ringing endorsement of Russell Martin as a future manager for the club during their 2024 search for a replacement, according to the Mirror ^[1]. The Athletic reported that Wilcox backed the former Southampton boss when the club's brains trust considered options if Erik ten Hag was axed after the FA Cup final.

Wilcox, who joined Old Trafford following his work at Southampton, had previously appointed Martin at St Mary's. He led the Saints to the Premier League via the play-offs, a success that impressed the United hierarchy. However, the Athletic noted that Wilcox accepted Martin would not be suitable for the top job at that stage, viewing him instead as a manager to keep tabs on for the future ^[1].

Ten Hag's victory over Manchester City at Wembley saved his job temporarily, but he was sacked nine games into the following season. He became the first manager axed by the Ineos hierarchy, who subsequently hired and fired Ruben Amorim before appointing Michael Carrick. Carrick is currently under intense pressure, with United sitting 17th in the Premier League table ^[2].

Martin’s managerial stock has plummeted since his promotion success. He was sacked by Southampton 16 games into the 2024/25 season and lasted just 17 games at Rangers. He is now managing in League One with Leicester City, where they sit tenth. Meanwhile, Carrick’s tenure is precarious; reports suggest he was given three games to turn around United's fortunes, starting with a loss to Chelsea where they were reduced to ten men ^[2].

Wilcox himself has faced criticism, with defender Lisandro Martinez stating he expected more from the technical director after the defeat to Atletico Madrid. The Mirror reported that Martinez said, "I expect more from our technical director," highlighting the scrutiny on the club's decision-making process ^[1]. The Athletic's revelation adds context to the club's ongoing managerial turmoil, linking the current crisis to past strategic choices involving Martin.