Amorim’s controversial “bomb squad” approach during the summer saw Antony, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia, and Alejandro Garnacho all labeled as surplus to requirements. ..Continue Reading
Garnacho’s rapport with Amorim deteriorated significantly after United’s disappointing Europa League final loss to Tottenham in May, where Amorim shared his views on the Argentine in a widely discussed end-of-season meeting.
However, it has now been revealed that another individual drew particular criticism from the United manager during that same gathering.
The player? Manuel Ugarte.
As reported by The Athletic, Amorim voiced his “disbelief” at the midfielder’s performance levels — describing him as “unrecognisable” compared to their time together at Sporting.
Ugarte previously played under Amorim from 2021 to 2023 at the Portuguese club, but Amorim was reportedly taken aback by the decline in his form since moving to England.
He allegedly highlighted a drop in work ethic, suggesting Ugarte had grown complacent — and reiterated that he did not see him as the same player from Sporting.
This critique was noted by the United squad, especially given the history between the two. It underscored Amorim’s reputation for being tough but fair when evaluating effort.
The Athletic also noted that Amorim favors group feedback over individual meetings.
While some players are said to prefer personalized guidance, Amorim believes in letting “actions speak louder than words” on the training pitch, expecting those outside the starting lineup to prove their worth.
Ugarte arrived at United from Paris Saint-Germain in a £51 million transfer last August, marking Erik ten Hag’s final acquisition before Amorim took over.
During pre-season, Ugarte shared what Amorim demands from him daily.
“[Ruben] always says about the communication,” he told MUTV following a 2-1 win against West Ham in New Jersey.
“Speak to everyone and work as a team and try to recover the ball as soon as possible. I think tonight, not only me, the team played really well.”
This season, the 24-year-old has featured in 10 matches across all competitions, but has started only three.
In the Premier League, he’s been behind Casemiro in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 setup.
He’s started just two of United’s 11 league fixtures, appeared as a substitute seven times, and remained unused on the bench twice.
Ugarte will be hoping for a turnaround after the international break, with United set to host Everton on November 24 before heading to Crystal Palace six days later.
Leave a Reply