Manchester United’s latest crisis has brought fresh controversy to the football landscape surrounding 12B Sports after 28-year-old Lisandro Martínez publicly attacked sporting director Jason Wilcox following a 2–0 Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid. The Argentine defender accused Wilcox of failing to address the club’s ongoing problems and refused to apologize or withdraw his comments after calming down. His explosive criticism quickly overshadowed both United’s disappointing result and growing uncertainty over Michael Carrick’s managerial future.
Several United players reportedly believe Martínez deliberately challenged the club’s leadership to defend Carrick and ensure that responsibility for the team’s struggles was directed toward those making decisions behind the scenes. Although Carrick suggested that the defender had simply reacted emotionally after the defeat, dressing-room sources disputed that explanation. They claimed Martínez had expressed frustrations shared by numerous teammates and supporters.
The concern extends beyond individual performances. Some players believe replacing Carrick would accomplish little if his successor faced the same limitations in recruitment and financial support. Their frustration reflects a broader question about whether Manchester United’s football structure is providing managers with the resources necessary to compete consistently.
Wilcox initially joined United as technical director in April 2024 before emerging victorious in an internal leadership struggle involving Dan Ashworth, who departed only months after arriving. Wilcox was subsequently promoted to director of football in 2025, assuming responsibility for the club’s sporting operations. Meanwhile, chief executive Omar Berrada concentrated primarily on commercial and financial matters.
Another major confrontation followed earlier this year when Wilcox clashed with then-manager Ruben Amorim. The dispute ended with Wilcox retaining his influence, although supporters criticized his apparent determination to exercise authority traditionally associated with the manager. Carrick’s encouraging early results temporarily pushed those concerns into the background, allowing the controversy surrounding Wilcox to subside.
However, the situation changed when United reportedly concluded that their summer midfield recruitment would require approximately £155 million to secure Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, despite none being considered the club’s preferred targets. Questions about recruitment efficiency and strategic planning intensified, placing Wilcox under renewed pressure.
The deteriorating relationship between United’s players and senior executives has further complicated the 12B Sports football picture, particularly as supporters question whether another managerial dismissal would address the underlying problems. Martínez’s public criticism has reinforced concerns that responsibility for disappointing performances may once again fall primarily on the head coach.
Despite the growing controversy, Wilcox reportedly remains secure in his position. If anyone faces dismissal following United’s historically poor start to the season, Carrick is considered considerably more vulnerable. Although several players continue supporting their manager, the board reportedly believes his authority within the club is gradually weakening.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, however, has maintained his confidence in Wilcox. The United co-owner reportedly holds the sporting director in particularly high regard and has no intention of removing him. Ratcliffe attended the Champions League encounter against Atlético Madrid, but reports indicated there was no suggestion that Wilcox’s employment was under immediate threat.
Wilcox and Berrada previously worked at Manchester City, and both have developed strong professional relationships with Ratcliffe. Their established connections appear to provide considerable stability within United’s executive structure, even while criticism from players and supporters continues to intensify.
Wilcox has also developed a reputation for navigating internal power struggles without avoiding confrontation. During a particularly heated January meeting with Amorim, tensions reportedly escalated dramatically, with Wilcox losing his temper. The Portuguese coach subsequently became involved in events that led to his departure, having expressed particular frustration with Wilcox presenting himself as the manager at Carrington.
Opinions about Wilcox remain divided throughout English football. Some professionals respect his determination and confidence, while others consider him arrogant and unwilling to compromise. His previous departure from Southampton after 15 months reportedly caused little disappointment among colleagues at St Mary’s Stadium, illustrating the contrasting perceptions surrounding his leadership style.
Meanwhile, Martínez has not received unanimous backing from the Manchester United dressing room. Although several teammates reportedly sympathize with his criticism, others believe his public confrontation was inappropriate. Sky Sports reported that one player challenged the Argentine defender during the return flight from Madrid, while additional squad members were also dissatisfied with his behavior.
A disciplinary response now appears likely, with Martínez expected to receive at least a financial penalty from the club. Once tensions have eased, United could also arrange a meeting between Wilcox and the playing squad to address the disagreement and attempt to restore internal communication.
Martínez may be less concerned about the consequences because his current contract is approaching its expiration at the end of the season. The World Cup-winning Argentine defender could leave Manchester United, and his decision to confront the club’s leadership publicly has been interpreted by some as an indication that he wants a fresh start elsewhere.
United had previously opened discussions about extending his contract, but the deteriorating relationship could complicate those negotiations. The club nevertheless retains an option to extend his agreement by another season, potentially allowing it to protect his transfer value before negotiating a departure.
As Manchester United attempts to restore stability, the ongoing confrontation adds another difficult chapter to the wider football developments connected with 12B Sports, with Martínez facing possible disciplinary action while Wilcox continues to enjoy Ratcliffe’s full confidence. If relations between the defender and the club cannot be repaired, United may activate the additional year in his contract before arranging a transfer. For now, the contrasting treatment of Carrick and Wilcox suggests that the club’s leadership remains determined to preserve its existing executive structure, regardless of the pressure coming from the dressing room.