Amorim and United Star Clash Behind the Scenes
The atmosphere behind the scenes at Manchester United has faced significant turmoil, particularly during the final weeks of Ruben Amorim’s tenure. One pivotal incident highlighted this tension, involving a direct confrontation between Amorim and Lisandro Martínez during a training session last month. As internal pressures mounted, Martínez expressed frustration over not being a starting player.
The Argentine defender believed he deserved a chance in the starting lineup, raising his concerns ahead of matches against Crystal Palace and West Ham. Although the exchange was heated, it did not irreparably damage their relationship. Martínez eventually returned to the starting eleven in the Boxing Day victory against Newcastle and was appointed captain for Amorim’s last two matches in charge, against Wolverhampton and Leeds. This decision demonstrated Amorim’s respect for Martínez, whom he admired for his competitive spirit and energy.
Ruben Amorim’s Record and Departure
Ruben Amorim’s managerial record at Manchester United was somewhat mixed, achieving a win rate of 31.9% with 15 victories, 13 draws, and 19 losses over 47 matches. This performance placed him among several recent United managers with similar struggles, as follows:
| Manager | Win Rate | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Ruben Amorim | 31.9% | 15 Wins, 13 Draws, 19 Losses |
| Ralf Rangnick | 41.7% | 10 Wins, 7 Draws, 7 Losses |
| David Moyes | 50% | 17 Wins, 6 Draws, 11 Losses |
| Louis van Gaal | 51.3% | 39 Wins, 19 Draws, 18 Losses |
| Ole Gunnar Solskjaer | 51.4% | 56 Wins, 29 Draws, 24 Losses |
| Erik Ten Hag | 51.8% | 44 Wins, 14 Draws, 27 Losses |
| José Mourinho | 53.8% | 50 Wins, 26 Draws, 17 Losses |
| Sir Alex Ferguson | 65.2% | 528 Wins, 168 Draws, 114 Losses |
Amorim’s difficulties culminated in his dismissal following a challenging press conference after a draw against Leeds. In that session, he openly criticized Jason Wilcox and called for greater involvement from the sporting director. His remarks were perceived internally as a breaking point, leading management to conclude that his position was no longer tenable.
The club formally announced Amorim’s departure the next day. In the interim, Darren Fletcher has stepped in to manage the first team while Manchester United explores potential candidates for the managerial role.
