Amorim’s Tough Critique of Ugarte Shakes Man United Squad

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has never shied away from tough conversations, and his recent blunt criticism of Manuel Ugarte has sent shockwaves through the Red Devils’ dressing room. Amorim, renowned for his direct leadership style, singled out Ugarte in front of the entire squad following United’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in the 2025 Europa League final.

Amorim’s Leadership Approach Tested After Europa League Loss

The primary focus keyword “Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim” begins this story of high stakes and intense standards. With United’s hopes for silverware dashed by Spurs, Amorim convened a full-team meeting ahead of the Premier League finale against Aston Villa. Even though Ugarte, the Uruguay international midfielder, was an unused substitute, Amorim made his disappointment clear, questioning Ugarte’s work ethic and declaring he no longer recognized him as the player he once coached at Sporting.

The manager’s remarks—describing Ugarte as “comfortable”—sparked a strong reaction within the squad, reinforcing Amorim’s expectations for unwavering commitment. According to The Athletic, Amorim’s group critique was echoed by advice to Alejandro Garnacho, suggesting the winger would “need a good agent” ahead of his eventual move to Chelsea.

Inside Amorim’s Methods: Hard But Fair Criticism

Amorim is known for addressing concerns in group settings, creating conversations among players about his preference for collective accountability over one-on-one chats. This approach has divided opinion within the squad, with some stars discussing its merits during a post-season trip to Kuala Lumpur. While certain players favor tailored feedback, Amorim maintains his stance—issues are addressed publicly to uphold discipline and transparency.

The manager keeps his distance from player social events, aiming to preserve authority and demand professionalism. Before the new season, Amorim called another all-staff meeting, emphasizing the need for improved discipline and punctuality, citing examples of players being late for training.

Squad Changes and New Leadership Dynamics

Manchester United’s summer transfer activity reflected Amorim’s drive for a cohesive squad. Problematic figures such as Garnacho, Rashford, Sancho, and Antony were offloaded, while Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha were brought in for their Premier League pedigree and passion for football. Their arrival has reportedly boosted morale and training quality.

Amorim solidified his team’s leadership structure, appointing a six-man leadership group led by captain Bruno Fernandes, with support from Harry Maguire, Tom Heaton, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui, and Diogo Dalot. These leaders are tasked with upholding discipline and guiding the squad.

Manchester United Manager Ruben Amorim Drives Improvement

Recent performances have shown promise, with United going unbeaten in their last five matches, climbing to seventh in the Premier League ahead of the international break. The Red Devils aim to sustain this momentum as they prepare to host Everton and former manager David Moyes at Old Trafford on November 24.

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Opinion: Amorim’s Approach—Firm, Uncompromising, and Necessary?

Amorim’s tough stance, while challenging for some players, could be what Manchester United needs to restore its winning mentality and discipline. By demanding full commitment and holding everyone accountable, he’s instilling a culture where only the driven thrive. Whether this method will yield long-term success remains to be seen, but in a club craving stability and silverware, Amorim’s no-nonsense leadership may be the right remedy.