Lisandro Martinez interview: Jason Wilcox under fire again in Manchester United falling-out
BBC Homepage
Skip to content
Accessibility Help
Your account
Home
News
Sport
Earth
Reel
Worklife
Travel
Culture
Future
Music
TV
Weather
Sounds
More menu
More menu
Search BBC
Home
Football
Cricket
Formula 1
Rugby U
Tennis
Golf
Cycling
Athletics
More
A-Z Sports
American Football
Athletics
Basketball
Boxing
Cricket
Cycling
Darts
Disability Sport
Football
Formula 1
Gaelic Games
Golf
Gymnastics
Horse Racing
Mixed Martial Arts
Motorsport
Netball
Rugby League
Rugby Union
Snooker
Swimming
Tennis
Full Sports A-Z
More from Sport
England
Scotland
Wales
Northern Ireland
Quizzes
News Feeds
Help & FAQs
Manchester United
Scores & Fixtures
Table
Live Match Updates
On BBC Sounds
Top Scorers
Who Am I? Quiz
Wilcox under fire again after Lisandro Martinez's comments
Image source: Getty Images
Image caption: Jason Wilcox's role at Manchester United is under scrutiny once more
By
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Published 8 minutes ago
It has been almost 10 months since Jason Wilcox found himself in the crosshairs following a post-match press conference by Ruben Amorim at Leeds.
Amorim was incensed that Wilcox, Manchester United's director of football, had suggested changing tactics for the previous game against Wolves.
"I will do my job and every department, the scouting department, the sporting director, needs to do theirs," said Amorim.
Less than 24 hours after that public chiding, Amorim was sacked, and the spotlight turned onto Wilcox.
Now, Wilcox is back in the firing line. This time, it was Lisandro Martinez, who had a specific target in mind. While he may have misstated the job title, there was no mistaking who Martinez was referring to.
Martinez, while acting as a post-match interviewer for US broadcaster CBS, refused to steer clear of questions about Manchester United's summer transfer window, despite attempts by Peter Schmeichel, a former United goalkeeper, to redirect the conversation.
"We don't have the best squad at the moment compared to other top teams," said Martinez.
"I'm not going to close my mouth. We need more ambition. If we don't say the truth, nothing will change."
During the summer, BBC Sport was informed by dressing room sources that the club needed to sign more players than the three – Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Carlos Baleba – who eventually joined. It was also suggested that the need was particularly acute for a left-back and a striker.
Another source with knowledge of Old Trafford's inner workings describes the current situation as "a mess."
What triggered Martinez's outburst?
Image source: Getty Images
Image caption: Lisandro Martinez (left) and Cristian Romero were team-mates for Argentina during the summer's World Cup
Martinez explained his decision to speak out, stating it was important to do so. Many United fans welcomed his candor, as he highlighted perceived shortcomings in the club's leadership structure.
However, there are other factors at play. Martinez's contract expires at the end of the season, and Manchester United has the option to extend it for another year.
By publicly criticizing senior figures at the club, was Martinez trying to ensure that extension is not exercised?