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

Former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim and defender 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 an ‘intense’ manner, which led to the training ground confrontation.

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 turned sour in his relationship with the club last 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 star 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 ultimately went for the cheaper option, and Lammens has proven to be an inspired addition to the squad despite his limited experience.