Ruben Amorim and Lisandro Martinez squared up to each other during training in December

Former Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim and Lisandro Martinez squared up to each other during training in December, according to The Athletic .

The Man United defender sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury back in February 2025 but started training outdoors in July.

He returned to individual training in October in a bid to return to action for the Red Devils sooner.

While the Argentine considered himself ready to start in November, he felt the erstwhile Man United boss was overlooking him.

Martinez made his point in what has been described as an “intense” manner, which resulted in the training ground confrontation between him and the Portuguese.

However, Amorim admired his energy as the defender returned to action as a substitute against Crystal Palace and West Ham United and was made captain.

He continued to wear the armband against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United – the Portuguese’s final two games.

Amorim was sacked yesterday after 14 months in charge of the Old Trafford club, but things started to turn sour between him and the bigwigs at Man United back in the summer.

He wanted Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to replace Andre Onana, but the Red Devils went for Senne Lammens, who was recommended by Tony Coton, the club’s chief goalkeeping scout.

The Villa hero had support from some in Man United’s team, with compatriot Martinez going as far as lobbying for his signing to minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

The defender and billionaire had been in contact over his rehabilitation from his anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Man United went for the younger and cheaper option in the end, and Lammens has proven to be an inspired addition to the squad so far despite his little experience.