Manchester United’s turbulent season under Ruben Amorim took another twist after it emerged that the Portuguese manager singled out midfielder Manuel Ugarte for severe criticism during a post-match debrief following the club’s Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

Sources inside the United dressing room told Goal that Amorim was “furious and unrestrained,” accusing Ugarte of failing to execute tactical instructions that left the team exposed in transition — a collapse that allowed Spurs to overturn an early deficit and win 3–1 in Lisbon last May.

“He went straight for him,” one player reportedly told the outlet. “He said the loss was on Ugarte’s shoulders — that he lost his discipline, that he let the whole team down.”

The confrontation reportedly stunned several senior players, with Bruno Fernandes and Raphaël Varane among those present during the exchange.

A Final to Forget

The Europa League final was meant to be the capstone of Amorim’s debut campaign at Old Trafford, but instead it became a symbol of inconsistency and internal discord.

United took the lead through Rasmus Højlund before two defensive errors and a late counterattack sealed Tottenham’s first European trophy in over three decades. Amorim was visibly agitated on the touchline, gesturing toward Ugarte during the second half as Spurs’ midfield dominated possession.

Post-match footage showed Amorim storming down the tunnel without acknowledging his players or staff — a gesture that raised questions about his composure in big moments.

“It was raw emotion,” said a club insider. “But what followed in the locker room crossed the line from criticism to humiliation.”

Amorim’s “Accountability Culture”

Since taking charge in 2024, Amorim has championed what he calls a “culture of accountability”, frequently reviewing matches in front of the full squad. But those sessions have also earned him a reputation for publicly calling out individual players, particularly younger ones or recent signings.

Ugarte, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain for £55 million, had been one of Amorim’s key midfield enforcers throughout the campaign, starting 43 matches across all competitions. However, insiders say his confidence and relationship with the manager deteriorated in the weeks following the final.

“He [Ugarte] was gutted,” said a teammate. “You could tell he took it personally. He’s a proud player, but after that meeting, something in him changed.”

Divided Dressing Room

The fallout reportedly deepened existing fractures within United’s dressing room. Some players viewed Amorim’s approach as necessary tough love, while others considered it counterproductive and demoralizing.

According to sources, several senior players privately voiced concerns to club officials about Amorim’s handling of pressure and man-management style, describing him as “brilliant tactically but volatile emotionally.”

Despite the controversy, club executives remain supportive of the Portuguese coach, citing the team’s improved defensive structure and strong Premier League finish as signs of progress. However, internal discussions about leadership culture and communication methods are said to be ongoing.

“This is the kind of incident that can either define his authority or destroy it,” said former United midfielder Paul Scholes on Sky Sports. “Managers need passion, but they also need perspective.”

Ugarte’s Uncertain Future

Ugarte, 24, has yet to publicly comment on the altercation. His agent reportedly held informal talks with United’s sporting director in June about a possible loan move if playing time were to diminish.

Though Amorim has since praised Ugarte in press conferences — calling him “a warrior and a professional” — insiders say the relationship remains strained. The midfielder has started only three of United’s last eight matches, often replaced by Kobbie Mainoo in key fixtures.

“You can tell there’s still tension,” said one former club staffer. “When trust breaks between a manager and a player at that level, it rarely heals.”

The Takeaway

Ruben Amorim’s fiery leadership style has reignited debate over modern football management, where tactical brilliance often collides with the psychological demands of elite squads.

For United, the Europa League loss was more than a missed trophy — it became a test of unity in a dressing room still adapting to a new era. Whether Amorim’s uncompromising approach drives success or deepens division may define Manchester United’s next chapter.

“Accountability is vital,” Scholes said. “But in football, you win together and you lose together.”