Jason Wilcox's Russell Martin suggestion at Man United as manager replacements discussed

Wilcox backed Martin as a managerial option during Ten Hag's uncertain period in 2024, but deemed him inexperienced for United; Martin is now Leicester manager.

Manchester United's director of football Jason Wilcox reportedly considered Russell Martin as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag during the managerial recruitment process. According to The Athletic, Wilcox spoke highly of Martin, then 38, but recognised he lacked the experience required for the Old Trafford role. The pair had previously worked together at Southampton, where Wilcox backed Martin through an early struggle before the club earned promotion via a 25-match unbeaten run.

Martin's stock has since declined. After leaving Southampton, he took the Rangers job but was sacked after just 17 games. He is now Leicester City manager, currently fighting to keep the 2016 Premier League champions in League One, where they sit 10th.

Meanwhile, United continue to struggle under Michael Carrick, who replaced Ruben Amorim. The club sit above the relegation zone on goal difference after losses to Bournemouth and Chelsea, with Carrick under intense pressure. Gary Neville has criticised the club's decision-making structure, arguing Wilcox has been thrust into a position beyond his experience as a technical director making major decisions at one of world football's biggest clubs.