TNT Sports
Russell Martin backed by Jason Wilcox as Manchester United face potential issue with relegation clauses - Paper Round
By
Updated 03/11/2026 at 23:25 GMT
Manchester United have no relegation clause in their player contracts, while director of football Jason Wilcox tipped Russell Martin as a managerial candidate. Elsewhere, Scott Parker is set to be the next West Ham boss, and Matthias Jaissle may lose his job at Newcastle United.
'You might think I'm crazy' - Carrick 'can't wait' to face Roma
Video credit: SNTV
No relegation clause for United
Manchester United have made a potentially costly decision in their player contracts as they endure a poor run of form in the Premier League.
The Sun reports that the club have not put any clauses in the deals that reduce the salaries of their players if they are relegated.
While seemingly a far-fetched possibility, United are currently level on points with Crystal Palace, who are in the bottom three.
The paper explains: ”Manchester United players do not have a relegation clause in their contracts amid their staggering spiral.
”United are 17th in the Premier League and level on points with Crystal Palace, who are in the relegation zone.
”By the time United kick off against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday, Michael Carrick’s side could be in the bottom three.
- Fernandes blasts 'lies' about Carrick relationship: He was right to drop me
- 'Scary' Yamal will be spoken about like Messi and Ronaldo, says Gerrard
- Barcelona, Atleti plot January raids on Arsenal - Euro Transfer News
”United players’ contracts do not include a ‘reduction clause’ – so their salary would not be slashed if they fall into the Championship.
”United will come under pressure to bolster their squad in the winter transfer window, with left back Luke Shaw and striker Benjamin Sesko two long-term casualties.”
Parker set to replace Nuno
Nuno Espirito Santo’s replacement at West Ham is already lined up, according to reports.
The Athletic reports that former Burnley manager and erstwhile West Ham midfielder Scott Parker is the man to take over.
Parker has also managed at Fulham, Bournemouth and Club Brugge, and West Ham acted swiftly when they lost 3-1 at home to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
The website writes: ”Scott Parker is set to replace Nuno Espirito Santo as head coach of West Ham United.
”Nuno’s last game in charge was Saturday’s 3-1 home defeat by West Bromwich Albion, which saw West Ham slip below the away side and fall to eighth in the table. They previously lost 3-2 at home to Southampton on October 24.
”Parker, 46, has previously managed Fulham, Bournemouth and Club Brugge. He has won promotion from the Championship on three separate occasions.
”A deal is in place for him to join West Ham with the hope he is in the dugout for the club’s next fixture, away at Cardiff City, on Wednesday. Parker’s former team-mate Mark Noble could be part of his backroom team.”
Wilcox tipped Martin as United manager
Russell Martin was previously tipped as a potential candidate to take over at Manchester United.
United’s director of football Jason Wilcox was on the hunt for replacements for Erik ten Hag in the summer of 2024, and the then Southampton man was highly rated by Wilcox.
However, Martin stayed in place, with Ten Hag kept on for the first few months of the following season before Ruben Amorim replaced him.
The Daily Star reports: ”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.
”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.
”After the FA Cup win, Ten Hag kept his job until October, before he was replaced by Ruben Amorim.”
Jaissle’s position in doubt
The Telegraph believe that PIF representative Jacobo Solis’ presence in Newcastle could be inauspicious for Matthias Jaissle, the club’s current head coach.
The newspaper believes a loss to Sunderland next month might see him lose his job.
The paper states: ”Although sources have denied his presence means anything significant, Jacobo Solis, PIF’s most hands-on representative on the board, has been on Tyneside for more than a week. He even sat at the back of a Jaissle press conference last week.
”He has been holding meetings with all the key figures at the club and will be reporting back what he hears and sees to Riyadh. He will not have been impressed by what he saw at St James’ Park on Monday night.
”If Jaissle loses to Sunderland, the damage may be irreparable. Eddie Howe lost twice to their bitter rivals last season and even with his fantastic record over four years and so much goodwill in the bank, he failed to recover.”
Watch and stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cups, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live with TNT Sports on HBO Max.
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement