Manchester United have parted ways with head coach Ruben Amorim after a turbulent 14-month tenure, with a fiery training ground confrontation with star defender Lisandro Martinez reportedly highlighting the deep-seated tensions at the club.
The Final Straw: A Confrontation and a Fateful Meeting
The 40-year-old Portuguese manager was dismissed on Monday morning, just a day after his side's 1-1 Premier League draw with Leeds United at Elland Road. However, the wheels were set in motion days earlier.
According to reports, United's director of football, Jason Wilcox, decided to remove Amorim as early as Friday. This verdict followed what has been described as an explosive meeting between the pair late last week, which prompted a furious reaction from the now-former coach.
Tensions, however, had been simmering for some time. A report from The Athletic details a heated confrontation between Amorim and Argentinian centre-half Lisandro Martinez in early December, following the defender's return from injury.
The 27-year-old, frustrated at being left on the bench when he believed he was fit to start, confronted the manager. This led to the pair squaring up to each other in a manner described as 'intense' during a session at the Carrington training complex.
A Fractured Dressing Room and Tactical Disputes
This incident was symptomatic of wider issues. Amorim's time at Old Trafford was marked by strained relationships with several high-profile players. He had previously exiled Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia to a so-called 'bomb squad'.
Rumours also persisted of a rift with young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo this season amid the Englishman's lack of game-time. Mainoo was expected to depart on loan this month, but Amorim's exit likely means he will now stay with the first team.
In his pivotal Friday meeting with Wilcox, Amorim was told the squad was good enough to earn trust and capable of playing more attacking football. Wilcox is also believed to have urged a return to the 4-2-3-1 formation used successfully against Newcastle United on Boxing Day.
Amorim reportedly countered by questioning how he was supposed to achieve results with a raft of first-team players sidelined. The message from the hierarchy ultimately failed to land, leading to his swift dismissal.
Aftermath and a Caretaker Appointment
Amorim was informed of his fate early on Monday. He was later seen enjoying a stroll with his wife in Cheshire. The club released a statement confirming his departure, thanking him for his contribution, which included leading the team to the UEFA Europa League final in May 2025.
The statement cited the club's sixth-place position as the reason for the 'reluctant' decision, stating it would give the team the best opportunity for the highest possible finish. Former United midfielder and current Under-18s coach Darren Fletcher has been installed as caretaker manager and will take charge for Wednesday's Premier League fixture against Burnley.
Amorim arrived at United from Sporting Lisbon in November 2024 but struggled to win over critics. His reign reached a low point when footage emerged of him using coaching magnets in the dugout during an embarrassing Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town in August.
