Pochettino in talks with Manchester United to replace Wilcox as Director of Football
Manchester United could be set for further changes behind the scenes following Mauricio Pochettino’s appointment, with the Argentine reportedly keen to reshape the club’s recruitment structure.
Pochettino was officially confirmed as United’s new manager on Friday, but his arrival could have significant consequences behind the scenes.
Jason Wilcox under growing pressure at Man Utd
Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox has faced increasing criticism over the club’s recruitment strategy, with the Red Devils struggling to build on last season’s third-place Premier League finish.
United spent heavily on their midfield during the summer but failed to strengthen sufficiently at left-back or provide greater depth in attack, leaving Michael Carrick short of options when injuries began to mount.
Luke Shaw’s absence has forced United to deploy players out of position, while Benjamin Sesko’s injury has further complicated matters in the final third.
Those shortcomings have attracted criticism from within the dressing room, with Lisandro Martínez publicly questioning the club’s recruitment strategy following October’s Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid.
“I expect more from our technical director. I have to be honest,” the Argentine told Amazon Prime Sport, while acknowledging that the players must also take responsibility.
Martínez’s concerns were subsequently echoed by former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, who questioned Wilcox’s credentials and suitability for such an influential position during an episode of The Overlap.
“With very little experience, all of a sudden they are in decision-making jobs at Manchester United. He (Wilcox) is one of them. I just don’t understand why he is there.”
Wilcox was subsequently involved in the decision to dismiss Carrick, but his own position could now be under threat following Pochettino’s arrival.
Pochettino wants Man Utd to replace Jason Wilcox
According to Football Insider, Mauricio Pochettino wants United to replace Wilcox with a figure he trusts to oversee the club’s recruitment strategy.
Sources have revealed that discussions have already taken place between the 54-year-old and United’s hierarchy regarding potential candidates for the position.
Crucially, the possibility of making changes to the club’s football leadership is understood to have played an important role in convincing Pochettino to accept the managerial position.
The Argentine has agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract at Old Trafford, having left the United States national team following negotiations between the two organisations.
Pochettino is now expected to have a significant influence on United’s future recruitment, with the club preparing to strengthen during the January transfer window.
However, Football Insider’s report suggests the former Tottenham manager wants more than simply a say in which players are signed, with the structure overseeing those decisions also potentially set to change.
Wilcox has been one of the most influential figures in United’s football department, working alongside chief executive Omar Berrada and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
INEOS cannot afford another failed Man Utd transfer window
United’s decision to appoint Pochettino represents an opportunity for a fresh start, but changing the manager alone will not address the weaknesses that have contributed to their alarming decline.
The Red Devils are currently in the Premier League relegation zone, making January’s transfer window particularly important.
They cannot afford to enter the second half of the campaign without addressing glaring deficiencies in defence and attack, especially with injuries already exposing the lack of reliable alternatives in several positions.
While Wilcox cannot be held solely responsible for United’s recruitment decisions, questions must be asked about how a club with such considerable resources has ended up with an unbalanced squad.
There is also little room for another unsuccessful transfer window. United’s league position means recruitment mistakes could have consequences far beyond simply missing out on European qualification.
If INEOS believes Wilcox has failed to deliver the squad required to compete, replacing him before January is crucial, with plans already being made to spend big in the winter transfer window.
