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By LUKE AUGUSTUS, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Published: 20: 11 AEDT, 11 November 2025 | Updated: 20: 50 AEDT, 11 November 2025 64 View comments 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 work ethic last season 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. Amorim's criticism of the Uruguayan was duly noted by the United squad - considering the duo's prior relationship at Sporting. It showed that Amorim was firm but fair when assessing application. The Athletic add that this style of group feedback is preferred by Amorim, rather than one-on-one sessions. However, some players would reportedly prefer tailored instructions but Amorim is a believer in actions speak louder than words on the training pitch and for those not in the first-team to show him why they deserve to play. Ugarte joined United from Paris Saint-Germain in a £51million deal last August, in what proved to be Erik ten Hag's final signing at the club before Amorim's arrival. Speaking in pre-season this summer, Ugarte revealed what Amorim is demanding of him every day. '[Ruben] always says about the communication, ' he told MUTV after a 2-1 win over 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 Ugarte has been primarily used as a substitute under Amorim at the Red Devils The 24-year-old came on as a substitute during United's 2-2 draw at Tottenham on Saturday So far this season, the 24-year-old has made 10 appearances for the club in all competitions - but starting only three of those matches. In the Premier League, he has had to play second fiddle to Casemiro as the holding midfielder in Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system. He has started just two of United's 11 top-flight matches, coming on as a substitute seven times and being an unused substitute twice. Ugarte will hope his fortunes change after the international break when United host Everton on November 24 before travelling to Crystal Palace six days later.
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