By LUKE AUGUSTUS, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
Published: 04:11 EST, 11 November 2025 | Updated: 04:17 EST, 11 November 2025
Ruben Amorim has not been afraid to be brutally honest about Manchester United's shortcomings during his year in charge, with details of another example of that emerging.
Amorim's infamous 'bomb squad' during the summer window saw Antony, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia and Alejandro Garnacho all be deemed surplus to requirements.
Garnacho's relationship with Amorim soured immensely following United's abject Europa League final defeat by Tottenham in May where Amorim let know his thoughts about the Argentine in a much-publicised end-of-season meeting.
However, it has emerged that another player was particularly caught in the crosshairs of the Red Devils head coach during that team meeting.
The player in question? Manuel Ugarte.
According to The Athletic, Amorim expressed his disbelief at the level of the midfielder's performances - stating that he was unrecognisable from their time together at Sporting.
Ruben Amorim called out one of his Man United players last season in front of the whole squad
The player in question was Manuel Ugarte - with Amorim dismayed at his lower work ethic
Amorim had managed Ugarte between 2021-2023 at Sporting and believed he was better then
Ugarte played under Amorim between 2021-2023 at the Portuguese giants but the latter was reportedly dismayed at his downturn in displays in England.
He reportedly pointed to a lower work rate, believing Ugarte had become comfortable - adding that he did not recognise him as the same player from Sporting.
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