Training-ground clash added to pressure before Amorim was sacked

January 6, 2026 Oliver Obel

Manchester United’s troubled season has been marked not only by inconsistent results but also by signs of strain behind the scenes, with new reporting pointing to a training-ground confrontation in the weeks before Ruben Amorim was dismissed.

While performances and public remarks had already placed the head coach under scrutiny, accounts from Carrington suggest internal tensions were also becoming harder to contain.

Clash at Carrington

Amorim was sacked on Monday morning, less than 24 hours after United’s draw with Leeds United at Elland Road. His removal followed a run of uneven displays and press conferences that had drawn increasing attention.

Reporting by The Athletic indicates that problems extended beyond matchdays. The outlet reported that Amorim and defender Lisandro Martinez “squared up to each other” during a training session in December, describing the exchange as “intense”.

According to the report, Martinez felt he was being overlooked for selection at the time, which led to the confrontation. Further details of the disagreement were not disclosed.

Captaincy added complexity

Despite the incident, Martinez was later named captain for Amorim’s final two matches in charge. The Athletic noted that the coach admired the defender’s intensity and commitment, suggesting the relationship remained functional even after the dispute.

The Martinez episode was not the only reported flashpoint during Amorim’s tenure. Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst has previously written that midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was involved in a shouting match with the Portuguese coach during a training session toward the end of last season.

Disagreements on the training ground are not unusual at major clubs, particularly during difficult periods. When such incidents emerge following a managerial exit, however, they often reinforce the view that cohesion had begun to erode.

Attention turns to what comes next

Darren Fletcher has been placed in interim charge as United assess their options for a permanent replacement. The responsibility now sits with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS to steady the club and avoid another short-term appointment.

United’s league position still offers some margin for recovery. They sit sixth in the Premier League, three points outside the top four, with European qualification still within reach.

A sustained run of results could quickly shift the focus back to performances rather than internal tensions. Whether that happens may depend as much on the next managerial decision as on the squad’s response in the weeks ahead.

Sources: The Athletic, Manchester Evening News

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