Martinez outburst Q&A: Wilcox, transfer strategy and what next for United?

Key points

• Lisandro Martinez criticised Manchester United's lack of summer investment after a 2-0 Champions League defeat at Atletico Madrid.
• Director of football Jason Wilcox retains the full support of United's hierarchy despite Martinez's personal criticism.
• United's transfer strategy focuses on data-driven recruitment and will target defence in the next two windows.

Lisandro Martinez's outburst following Manchester United's 2-0 Champions League defeat at Atletico Madrid on Tuesday has put director of football Jason Wilcox and the club's hierarchy under scrutiny. Martinez criticised the lack of summer investment and said he expected more from "upstairs", according to Sky Sports.

Sky Sports News reporters Rob Dorsett and Kaveh Solhekol answered questions about the fallout, Wilcox's position, United's transfer strategy and Martinez's future.

Wilcox retains full support

Rob Dorsett said Jason Wilcox retains the full support of his Manchester United bosses despite the personal criticism from Martinez. Wilcox is working to a transfer strategy sanctioned by chief executive Omar Berrada and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

United's hierarchy is determined to stick to strict spending plans and avoid past mistakes of keeping players on lucrative long contracts. The club's financial situation means it will take several transfer windows to overhaul the squad fully.

Jason Wilcox retains the full support of his Manchester United bosses, despite the personal criticism directed at him by Lisandro Martinez.

— Rob Dorsett

Transfer strategy and finances

The plan is based on data from director of data and AI Michael Sansoni, which suggested two seasons ago that scoring more goals was a bigger priority than conceding fewer. The 2025 summer window focused on attack with Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha; this summer's window focused on midfield with £158m spent on Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.

Despite record revenues of £678m in 2025/26, United made a pre-tax loss of £47m. Dorsett said the next two transfer windows will focus on strengthening the defence, where Martinez's future will also be considered.

Martinez future and reaction

Dorsett said Martinez's comments were directed at Wilcox but may have an ulterior motive because Martinez has not liked the message about his contract being extended in the summer. He added that at least one teammate challenged Martinez as they were getting on the plane back from Spain.

Kaveh Solhekol said Martinez is frustrated after reaching the World Cup final with Lionel Messi and wants to challenge for trophies. Dorsett does not think Martinez will be dropped because Michael Carrick needs him, but the club may discipline him for a breach of contract.