Rio Ferdinand Speaks Out After Ruben Amorim ‘Squares Up’ to Player

Rio Ferdinand has spoken out after reports that Ruben Amorim was involved in a heated row with a Manchester United player towards the end of his tenure.

Amorim was relieved of his duties on Monday following a heated meeting with United's director of football Jason Wilcox.

His dismissal came just a day on from United's 1-1 draw with Leeds at Elland Road - as the club "reluctantly decided" it was the right time to get rid of Amorim after just over a year in the job.

In his press conference, Amorim had said he had come to United to be their "manager" and not head coach in what was deemed to be a dig at the club's top brass.

His reign ended with United sixth in the Premier League but with a dire 38% win ratio in all competitions - having lost 21 out of 63 games in charge and tasted defeat against Spurs in the Europa League final.

The former Sporting CP man will receive a substantial payout as he was still contracted to United until June 2027.

Amorim was relieved of his duties on Monday. Image: Getty

A detailed report from The Athletic on Amorim's final days said it "ended in turmoil and toxicity" - with one section carrying detail on a flare-up with Lisandro Martinez in training.

The Argentine, who has recently returned to fitness, is known for his aggressive approach and reportedly squared up to Amorim in a training session in December.

His anger is said to have stemmed from Martinez feeling that he was ready to return to action and that Amorim was overlooking him.

He is understood to have made his feelings known in an 'intense' manner.

As expected the information caused a stir online but former United defender Ferdinand felt the need to have his say on reports of arguments - claiming that an "environment where difficult conversations were had" is needed in order to achieve success.

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He also gave his thoughts on the sacking of Amorim and the interim appointment of former midfielder Darren Fletcher, who will take charge against Burnley on Wednesday.

"Seeing lot of hear say stories this morning on Amorim, players + heirachy [sic], arguments etc," Ferdinand wrote on X.

"This is normal - I would be annoyed if there weren’t. You need an environment where difficult conversations were had, players wanting to win! This is a regular occurrence in Any dressing room, training pitch wanting to be successful !!!"

"Amorim is a good man/manager and he will come again - the club have made the decision to look elsewhere. There’s been progress built on last season…but not enough in enough areas.

"There will be more pressure now on the players and they have to step up and show spirit, fight and be brave with the ball to get through this moment in the season.

"What an opportunity for Darren Fletcher - the players will respond to him and if we see a bit of Darren Fletcher in the teams [sic] performance that will be a positive step."

Amorim finished with a win percentage of 38.1%. Image: Getty

Fletcher will take charge of training and matchdays for the timebeing but according to The Athletic, the club want a manager with Premier League experience to replace Amorim.

Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola, Enzo Maresca, Thomas Tuchel, Marco Silva and Mauricio Pochettino are all potential contenders, with United set to hold off on a permanent appointment until the summer when those managing national teams and those out of contract become available.