Nicky Butt blasts Wilcox and warns one Man Utd senior staffer who understands club has been sidelined by Ineos

Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has criticised the club hierarchy.

There is a wider issue to be discussed at Manchester United than simply looking at Michael Carrick’s management, which is clearly under pressure.

The men who appointed Carrick are already facing scrutiny. A substandard transfer window saw United neglect key areas, striker and left-back, while the three midfield signings are yet to prove themselves.

Former star Nicky Butt believes that for years, Manchester United has been too commercial focused, and he knows this from his time working in the academy. Looking at the current structure, with Ineos taking over football operations, Butt fears that the wrong people are making decisions.

Butt also noted that one figure who does understand the club has effectively been sidelined to an academy role.

He told The Good, The Bad & The Football: “In my opinion, I don’t think they know how that football club should be run. They might be great commercially. They might be making money. But when you’re fundamentally focusing on Man United, what is a Man United player? What is Man United football about? What do Man United fans want? It doesn’t look like they know what that means.

“The only one person there that would know that is Darren Fletcher, and he’s now working with the youth team.”

Fletcher was originally an appointment as technical director working under John Murtough, a hire made by the Glazers. He is now working as United under-18s boss.

While Fletcher‘s suitability for the role could be questioned, Butt points out that those who are in charge at Ineos do not understand what it takes to make Manchester United successful.

Butt unconvinced by Jason Wilcox

Butt continued: “How do you how do you install what Man United is all about and what’s about if you have not got people that link that history to that football club?

“I’m really not saying everyone’s got to be a former Man United [player]. I’m sure Jason Wilcox is very good at what he does.. but does he know Man United? I’ll answer that question. I don’t think he does.”

Wilcox has been Manchester United’s technical director since 2024, and if Michael Carrick does not last as head coach, then he will be under increased scrutiny.

Wilcox was originally hired to support Dan Ashworth, and was then promoted after his abrupt departure.

It’s unclear whether there is a former Manchester United man who is suitable for the role, but it’s also fair to ask whether Wilcox is the ‘best in class’ for his position that the club and the fans demand.