Former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim reportedly had a heated argument with defender Lisandro Martinez at the training ground before he was sacked on Monday. The Portuguese head coach was sacked from his position on Monday after a shocking press conference in which he attacked the INEOS hierarchy.
Details of Amorim’s final months have since emerged, including that fateful day last month when Martinez returned to training. The Argentine defender has been out with a long-term injury but has returned in recent weeks.
The Athletic claimed that Amorim and Martinez linked up with each other in training during United’s games against Crystal Palace and West Ham.
The player believed he was ready to start and felt ignored after Amorim’s “fierce” claims about him.
Martinez came on as a substitute against Palace and West Ham, but was not named in the starting XI until the win over Newcastle on Boxing Day.
The 27-year-old was named captain for Amorim’s last two games in the absence of Bruno Fernandes, showing the respect the pair have for each other despite the altercation.
The players had always wanted Amorim to improve his communication in his final days at the club, and he is said to have responded well to challenges from the team, as evidenced by the incident with Martinez.
As of this writing Tuesday morning, Martinez was not one of the players who sent farewell messages to Amorim on Instagram.
Fellow centre-back Harry Maguire did the same, writing: “Thank you so much manager. I wish you all the best in the future.”
United released a short statement on Monday confirming Amorim’s departure, saying: “Reuven Amorim has resigned from his position as head coach of Manchester United.
“Ruben took over in November 2024 and led the team to the UEFA Europa League final in Bilbao in May.
“With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, club leaders have reluctantly decided that now is the right time to make a change. This will give the team the best opportunity to finish in the highest possible place in the Premier League.”
“The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
“Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team against Burnley on Wednesday.”
