Ruben Amorim Clashes in Explosive Confrontation With Star Player Days Before Manchester United Departure
A report has disclosed that Ruben Amorim's concluding period as Manchester United's head coach featured an intense training ground confrontation with defender Lisandro Martínez.
Amorim was dismissed from his position this week following deteriorating relations with the club's hierarchy at Old Trafford, though his public expression of discontent occurred after United executives had already determined to seek a managerial change.
Sources indicate Amorim "exploded" during discussions with sporting director Jason Wilcox prior to his termination, and according to The Athletic, such volatile behavior also manifested during training sessions.
In a December practice session, center-back Martínez reportedly confronted Amorim regarding his limited playing time following his injury recovery. The Argentine defender had been absent since February due to a severe knee problem before returning in late November's final match.
Martínez allegedly expressed his dissatisfaction to Amorim, convinced he was prepared to return to starting lineups, leading to what's characterized as a heated confrontation where both individuals faced off against each other.
Remarkably, the altercation's aftermath may have yielded beneficial results. Martínez featured in five substitute roles before earning a starting position in the 1–0 victory against Newcastle United on Boxing Day, even receiving the captain's armband.
Martínez led United as captain in the subsequent two matches, which turned out to be Amorim's final games as manager.
Amorim Initiated His Own Man Utd Departure
Although United executives likely disapproved of witnessing their manager clashing with an important player like Martínez, the actual factors contributing to his Old Trafford departure were considerably more substantial.
Amorim reportedly grew frustrated with superiors, including Wilcox and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who questioned his controversial 3-4-2-1 tactical approach. While United's leadership desired tactical modifications to maximize the existing squad's potential, Amorim sought additional player acquisitions to fully implement his preferred system.
In his final discussion with Wilcox, Amorim became so incensed that he allegedly told the sporting director he wished to depart Old Trafford and would contact his representative to arrange such a move.
Wilcox subsequently addressed the squad, expressing his astonishment at Amorim's departure request, which was ultimately approved Monday morning following a brief executive meeting.
The choice wasn't made hastily, considering it reportedly cost United approximately £10 million ($13.5 million) in compensation fees, but Wilcox maintained that the relationship with Amorim was beyond repair.