Manchester United spent £155m on three midfielders while the rest of the squad fell apart

Manchester United slumped out of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday to a mix of jeers and indifference, the latest grim episode in a domestic cup season that keeps delivering disappointment. Michael Carrick and his players took the brunt of the crowd's anger. Jason Wilcox, the club's director of football, did not look pleased as he left the directors' box, but he and the rest of the hierarchy need to own their part in the mess.

That is how football works: supporters know when something is working and when it is not, and they deliver their verdict quickly to the people whose salaries they effectively pay. Carrick and the squad are the public face of the club, the ones sent out to speak to journalists and promote sponsors. But what happens on the pitch is not solely their responsibility.

• United spent £155m on three central midfielders and left other positions short.
• Fans mixed boos for the cup exit with apathy over the club's general direction.
• Carrick faces mounting pressure with a trip to Fulham coming on Sunday.
• Wilcox has stayed silent in public despite serious questions over recruitment.
• The team sits 13th in the Premier League table.

United's Carabao Cup exit exposes the holes in a lopsided squad

Targeting central midfielders made sense after Casemiro's departure and Manuel Ugarte's shortcomings, but it was not the only area that needed attention. The overall weakness of the squad was acknowledged within the club, yet the lack of variety in the summer strengthening felt naive and is proving to be so.

Buying players from other Premier League clubs is rarely cost-effective, although it does reduce adaptation time. Given the shortage at left-back and Joshua Zirkzee's limitations, a cheaper midfield option than the £50m Andrey Santos could have helped the wider health of the team.

Why United's transfer strategy is under serious scrutiny

Brighton arrived at Old Trafford with a heavily rotated side and still recovered from 2-0 down to win deservedly. Their squad includes talent scouted from clubs in seven different countries over the summer, while United made four signings from fellow Premier League teams. The contrast in approach is impossible to ignore.

It is somewhat ironic that the most successful addition of last summer was Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, both in terms of price and consistency. A full assessment of Carrick and Wilcox will have to wait until Carlos Baleba, the most expensive of the three summer midfield signings, is available, because his attributes should solve the team's lack of mobility.

Wilcox goes quiet while Carrick carries the pressure alone

Wilcox has done internal media work. On 30 October 2025, after three straight wins, he discussed the long-term plan, which was thrown off course by Ruben Amorim's sacking just over two months later. Things looked promising when he opened up to United's editorial staff, but apart from statements about managerial dismissals, he shows no appetite to speak during downturns.

In Europe, it is normal for sporting directors to talk to the press, but the Premier League has not caught up. At United the silence grows louder with the team 13th in the table.

Wilcox's record at United and the decisions shaping a frustrating season

Wilcox arrived from Southampton in 2024, initially as technical director, and helped oversee the decision to keep Erik ten Hag after an eighth-placed finish. Ten Hag was eventually dismissed following a poor start to the next campaign. Amorim was hired from Sporting even though his tactics did not fit the squad and there was no money for the overhaul required. United finished 15th and suffered a meek Europa League final defeat against Tottenham.

When Amorim was sacked after 14 months, Wilcox was given another chance to put things right. Carrick is not free from blame either: this United team is underperforming and thumping promoted Ipswich and Azerbaijani side Sabah cannot hide a disappointing start.

The defence has conceded seven goals in four Premier League games, and against Brighton the pairing of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven was bordering on inept. The forward line has also looked disjointed. Wilcox was well respected as Manchester City's academy chief, where those who worked with him thought he was excellent at that level, but his step up at United has brought criticism.

If JJ Gabriel leaves, many outside the club would be frustrated, but Wilcox would not be to blame, having worked hard to convince the player to stay, including through the teenager's inner circle. With power comes great responsibility at United, but only Carrick is forced to embrace it. Ten Hag and Amorim fell for their failures while others carried on. Carrick and Wilcox are equally invested in the team's success, but it looks like only one will feel the consequences if things do not improve.