Ruben Amorim 'In Training Ground Confrontation' With Man Utd Player Before Sack

Ruben Amorim was involved in a training ground confrontation with one of his players, just weeks before being sacked by Manchester United.

The 40-year-old departed his role as United's head coach on Monday morning, 420 days after being appointed by the club following an impressive spell at Sporting that featured five major trophies.

Back in October, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe insisted he would not make a "knee-jerk reaction" on Amorim. "Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years," he said.

But after tensions between United's head coach and Jason Wilcox, the club's director of football, came to a head in a meeting about tactics and transfers on Friday, the writing was on the wall.

On Monday morning, Amorim was informed of his dismissal after United's leadership team "reluctantly decided" it was the right time to make a change.

Amorim pictured in United training in December. Image credit: Getty

As has become customary following a managerial dismissal at United, The Athletic have published a detailed report on how Ruben Amorim’s reign at Old Trafford 'ended in turmoil and toxicity'.

One of the standout takeaways from the piece involves Lisandro Martinez, who is said to have squared up to his manager during a training session in December.

The incident reportedly happened around games against Crystal Palace and West Ham, with Martinez of the belief that he was ready to start following a lengthy period on the sidelines through injury.

Martinez felt Amorim was 'overlooking him', so the Argentine made his feelings known in an 'intense' manner.

However, it appears Amorim responded positively to Martinez's approach. The defender made substitute appearances against Palace and West Ham but was handed a start in their Boxing Day win over Newcastle.

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Amorim was involved in a training ground confrontation with Lisandro Martinez. Image credit: Getty

The Portuguese head coach is believed to have admired Martinez's energy.

“I think he is a guy with a lot of character," Amorim said about the defender following their 1-0 over Newcastle. "He is really good on the ball. And with the quality that he has – he played in the World Cup, won the World Cup – he is used to that stress.”

“He showed today that he is a top player," Amorim added. "And sometimes people talk about the way you defend the box because he’s a small guy. But today he did really well against the team that you just have tall players.”