The Athletic: Amorim ‘squared up’ with fan-favourite Utd star in ‘intense’ training altercation last month

Ruben Amorim and Lisandro Martinez ‘squared up’ to one another in what has been deemed an ‘intense’ altercation in Manchester United training last month.According to The Athletic, the Argentine international believed he was ready to make his long-awaited return from injury in time for United’s Premier League clashes against Crystal Palace and West Ham United.Martinez hoped to be restored to the starting XI for the first time since the start of February, when he sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury.However, Amorim continued proceeding with caution and, in the two matches, granted the player an eight-minute cameo off the bench against Palace and a two-minute cameo against the Irons.Martinez is back to being a mainstay in United’s XI(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)It took until Boxing Day for the defender to be awarded his first start in 10 months after he was deployed from the off when the Reds hosted Newcastle United.They oversaw a 1-0 win, claiming just their second clean sheet of the campaign. Not only did Martinez eventually get his wish, but he also donned the captain’s armband in the absence of Bruno Fernandes, with Amorim said to have ‘admired his energy’ in fighting for his case. Martinez’s total appearances under Amorim Starts 24 19 Amorim’s tenure was cut short after just 14 months(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)The Athletic were also the first to break the news of Amorim’s dismissal on Monday morning following a breakdown in his relationship with part-owners INEOS. Darren Fletcher has taken the reins on an interim basis, so he will be in the dugout for tomorrow evening’s contest at home to Burnley and, potentially, Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Brighton and Hove Albion.David Ornstein’s report did suggest that United could wait until the summer to hire a permanent successor to Amorim. 🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United sack Ruben Amorim as head coach. 40yo Portuguese informed of decision & goes with immediate effect after 14 months following breakdown in relations. Darren Fletcher expected to take over #MUFC on interim basis @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/kEAu5Wv8F7 — David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 5, 2026As things stand, the club are only three points adrift of the Champions League places.