With Michael Carrick's future at Old Trafford under scrutiny, supporters are now pointing fingers at director of football Jason Wilcox.
Pressure is building at Old Trafford, and it is no longer aimed at the dugout alone. With Michael Carrick's position as Manchester United boss under the microscope, a growing section of the fanbase is asking tougher questions about who sits above him, with director of football Jason Wilcox right in the frame.
That shift is typical of how these situations unfold at big clubs. When results and performances stall, the manager is the first target. But supporters soon widen the lens to the people who shape the squad, appoint the coaches and set the long-term direction. As director of football, Wilcox sits at the heart of those decisions, which makes him a natural lightning rod when frustration rises.
The argument from critics is simple: if the project is wobbling, accountability should reach beyond the touchline. A director of football is expected to build a coherent structure, back the right profiles in recruitment and make sure the head coach has the tools to succeed. When fans feel those pieces aren't fitting together, the spotlight inevitably swings upstairs.
What happens next will be fascinating to watch. Carrick's immediate future is the headline, but how United's hierarchy responds, and whether Wilcox's role faces the same level of scrutiny, could say a lot about where the club is heading. For a side with United's ambitions, patience is in short supply and the margin for error keeps shrinking.
