Who is Jason Wilcox? Meet Man Utd chief Lisandro Martinez called out over transfers

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Lisandro Martinez unleashed following Manchester United's 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid and singled out director of football Jason Wilcox for criticism

Everything you need to know about Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox

- Martinez rant: Following Manchester United's 2–0 Champions League loss away to Atletico Madrid, defender Lisandro Martinez launched a furious post-match rant targeting the club's hierarchy. He singled out Jason Wilcox, declaring: "I expect more from our technical director." He also ripped into the club's summer business whilst backing manager Michael Carrick. - Playing background: So who exactly is Wilcox? The 55-year-old 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, whilst also earning three senior caps for England. - Pre-United exploits: 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. - Rising through the ranks: 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. - Difficult decisions: 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: 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.

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