Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox earmarked Russell Martin as a surprise managerial target for them in 2024.The Red Devils currently find themselves at a potential managerial crossroads with Michael Carrick running out of time to turn things around.Once touted as a potential Man United manager, Russell Martin currently manages in League One with LeicesterGettyUnited are languishing in 16th place in the Premier League and without a win in nine games after a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea.While Carrick has been given a stay of execution for now, this isn’t expected to extend for much longer if results continue to disappoint.Speculation is already rife over who could succeed the United legend if he is sacked, and talkSPORT understands the club’s board are split over whether to hire Eddie Howe or Julian Nagelsmann.But there could be another candidate in the back of Wilcox’s mind, if he chooses to revisit a past option.Russell Martin recommendationAccording to the Athletic, under-fire United chief Wilcox previously tipped current Leicester boss Martin as a possible future manager when Erik ten Hag‘s position was under threat in 2024.While Ten Hag ultimately kept his job after FA Cup glory the 2023/24 season, Wilcox had been tasked with brainstorming potential successors to the Dutchman.Wilcox is said to have pushed for Martin – who he appointed as Southampton boss in his previous role 2023.The English coach’s stock was high after guiding the Saints to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs in the 2023/24 season.The Athletic report that Wilcox accepted that Martin, at that stage of his career, would not be suitable for the United job but still earmarked him as a manager to keep tabs on.Ten Hag ultimately held onto his job for another few months before Ruben Amorim was preferred as his successor in November 2024.Carrick is facing a race against time to hold onto his jobAFPWilcox is yet to have his desired impact after over two years at Man UnitedGettySince then, Martin has endured a tough run of things in his managerial career, starting with his sacking at Southampton.After guiding them back to the top-flight, he was relieved of his duties just four months into their return after losing 13 of their first 16 matches.A disastrous spell at Rangers followed in 2025 where Martin saw his tenure cut short after 17 games, winning just five times.The 40-year-old took charge of Leicester in the summer, and is now climbing up the League One table after a difficult start.While it now looks unlikely United will turn to Martin should they opt to change manager, Wilcox is understood to be a fan of his tactical understanding, strong vision of playing style and leadership skills.This is believed to be in line with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s views, who is keen for the club to follow a clear game model.The highlight of Martin’s managerial career came at Southampton as he masterminded their return to the Premier LeagueRatcliffe urged to make ‘ruthless’ callWhile Wilcox’s earmarking of Martin may get Ratcliffe’s seal of approval, United’s sporting director remains unpopular among fans.The team’s board have faced criticism over the club’s demise since their appointments following INEOS’ takeover in February 2024, while Wilcox recently came in for a stinging attack by defender Lisandro Martinez over a lack of recruitment in the summer.And now, United fan and pundit Flex has joined criticism of the United chief, insisting the club should instead look to overhaul their board as the prospect of sacking a third manager in two years looms.He urged owner Ratcliffe to replace Wilcox, and claimed his previous work in the Manchester City academy and as Southampton director of football do not make him qualified for his current role.On talkSPORT’s ‘The S Word’, Flex said: “You employed Jason Wilcox. You employed Omar Berrada. These are your guys. You made a footballing department that is failing. I want the same ruthlessness to say, ‘Jason, see ya.’He continued: “He should never have got there. Jason Wilcox is a seasoned pro at academy level. Wilcox’s credentials and his recommendation of Martin have been called into questionGetty“He did a fantastic job at City for what it’s worth with the academy players. Yes, he found Cole Palmer, Jadon Sancho, Morgan Rogers, [Romeo] Lavia etc – youngsters. “Then you went to Southampton with Russell Martin and his best bit of work is going on – this sort of 25 game [unbeaten run] in the Championship with Martin and getting to the Prem. That’s his best work. “And then once he got to the Prem, we all know how that ended up and where Russell Martin’s gone since. So how does that correlate to – I know can run Manchester United?”Flex then ridiculed the recent revelations about Wilcox highlighting Martin as a potential future appointment at Old Trafford.He joked: “He put his name forward after Ten Hag. Do you mean Russell Crowe? Do you mean Russell Westbrook? “What do you mean, Russell Martin? What do you mean? He can be the manager. What are you talking about?”