Manchester United once sounded out Russell Martin as a shock managerial target as their new manager discussions emerged
Russell Martin once emerged as a shock managerial target for Manchester United. The Red Devils were riding high on the eve of their FA Cup final with Manchester City, but questions still remained over Erik ten Hag’s future.
The Red Devils bested their local rivals – and it bought Ten Hag some precious time at Old Trafford. However, if he had faced the sack that summer, Martin was one of the names discussed, according to The Athletic.
Jason Wilcox had pushed Martin, who had been riding a wave of success with Southampton. Wilcox had been appointed by Wilcox for the Saints before leading them to Premier League promotion via the Championship play-offs.
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The report adds that Wilcox didn’t view him as a viable option at the time but that he was someone to keep a close eye on with a nod to the future.
After the FA Cup win, Ten Hag kept his job until October, before he was replaced by Ruben Amorim. Amorim was dismissed in January, and replaced by current boss Michael Carrick.
Martin’s managerial stock has since plummeted after a less-than-stellar spell at Rangers and his ongoing struggles with Leicester City.
Carrick is under major pressure at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils currently 17th in the Premier League table. According to David Ornstein, Carrick had been given three games to turn around his United fortunes before his Chelsea loss on Saturday.
The Red Devils were reduced to 10-men as they lost 2-0 to the Blues at Stamford Bridge. United, as a result of the loss, have dropped to just above the relegation zone.
Speaking to NBC Sports, he said: “I think it was quite simply a show of faith in Michael Carrick, that continues to this day.
“I’ll tell our audiences that I would expect him to be in charge for both the Roma and Aston Villa games.
“And that’s because when they had these deliberations, that you mention, they decided he would be in charge for the next three games.
“That they were backing him to try and bring an upturn and improve Manchester United’s fortunes.