Senior Man Utd players back Martinez's criticism of technical director Wilcox, but Ratcliffe stands firm

Multiple Manchester United first-team players are said to agree with Lisandro Martinez’s public criticism of technical director Jason Wilcox, according to The Times, though minority co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is standing by his appointment and there is no imminent threat to Wilcox’s role.

Martinez sparked the controversy in his post-match interview following United’s Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid, taking direct aim at the club’s summer transfer activity. “I expect more investment — 100 per cent,” the Argentine defender said. “I expect more from our technical director. I have to be honest, as players we have to do more, but it is also important when you make a strong squad to be ready for this kind of night. Tonight it is easy to blame the coach, easy to say the players, but also we have to see other areas.”

The Times reports that some senior squad members share Martinez’s view on the lack of reinforcements brought in during the summer window. Head coach Michael Carrick is also said to have privately hoped for more signings, though he has not publicly voiced his frustration over the club’s inactivity in the market.

Ratcliffe was present at the Metropolitano for Tuesday’s defeat and, despite the reported first-team sentiment, the report is clear that Wilcox’s position is not under threat. The co-owner is described as holding the technical director in high regard.

Martinez subsequently sought to clarify his original remarks, acknowledging he had “spoken out in anger and frustration” while standing by the underlying message. “When I talk about wanting more, I’m talking about the ambition we must all have as part of this club — to keep growing, to become stronger and to have everything we need to compete at the highest level,” he said.

“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. We need to demand even more of ourselves and work together to take Manchester United back to the top. I believe in my teammates, our manager and everyone working to help this club move forward.”