Wilcox under fire as Ratcliffe limits Man United spending

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 09:57 · Archive

Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox faces criticism over summer transfers amid reports of tension with owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Jason Wilcox, Manchester United's director of football, is facing mounting pressure over the club's summer transfer activity. Defender Lisandro Martinez criticised him in a television interview after Tuesday's defeat by Atletico Madrid, saying he 'expected more from our technical director' in the transfer market. Martinez later accepted a fine and apologised for the timing of his comments, referencing the club's collective effort, but has not apologised directly to Wilcox.

The tension reflects broader friction at Old Trafford. The Daily Mail reports a photograph from last December shows Sir Jim Ratcliffe pointing at Wilcox during a half-time interval at Molineux, with chief executive Omar Berrada between them. Ruben Amorim, the club's previous manager, was sacked after self-destructing in a post-match rant aimed at Wilcox and club bosses following an angry bust-up at the training ground.

The Mirror reports that Ratcliffe blocked a move for England midfielder Elliot Anderson, who joined Manchester City from Nottingham Forest for £116m. Instead, the club signed Carlos Baleba for £70m, Andrey Santos for £50m and Youri Tielemans for £35m. Agents told the Daily Mail that Wilcox's position is 'incredibly difficult' because ultimate spending decisions rest with the owners, the Glazers and Ratcliffe, not with him. One agent said: 'If you sack Wilcox, nothing will change. It's a mess.'

How it is being reported

• Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'kills' Man Utd transfer agreed by Jason Wilcox - 'It's a mess'Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly blocked one of Jason Wilcox's transfer targets at Old TraffordMirror Sport · 19 Oct, 09:32
• The untold story of Jason Wilcox at Man United: A 'no bulls*** approach, what agents and executives REALLY think about 'interfering' director - and how he is hamstrung by Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Old TraffordUnited return to Leeds on Sunday with former Leeds winger Wilcox once again in the crosshairs following Lisandro Martinez's criticism of him in a midweek television interview.Daily Mail Sport · 18 Oct, 02:00

In this story: Jason Wilcox · Sir Jim Ratcliffe · Lisandro Martinez · Manchester United · Ruben Amorim · Elliot Anderson · Manchester City

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