Ruben Amorim is reportedly on the verge of a return to management just months after being sacked by Manchester United, right as the Reds prepare to announce Michael Carrick as his permanent successor
Ruben Amorim appears set for a return to management, with the Portuguese coach reportedly lined up to succeed another former Manchester United manager in Jose Mourinho at Benfica. Although Amorim arrived in the Premier League carrying considerable promise, his spell at Old Trafford proved turbulent and the 41-year-old was dismissed by the club in January.
United’s fortunes have improved markedly under Michael Carrick, who is set to be appointed head coach on a permanent basis following an impressive stint as interim manager.
Amorim first established his reputation in Portugal with Sporting Clube de Portugal, where he claimed two Portuguese league titles – and his managerial comeback could materialise at one of their fiercest rivals.
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The Sun report that Benfica have identified Amorim as the man to fill the void left by Mourinho, who has agreed to return to Real Madrid.
While Amorim has strong ties to Sporting, he did represent Benfica during his playing career and even brought his time as a player to a close at the club before transitioning into management.
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He is also said to be ‘close friends’ with Benfica president Rui Costa, who served as the club’s sporting director throughout Amorim’s playing days.
The Benfica chief remains a firm admirer of Amorim, who secured just 25 victories from his 63 matches in charge of United.
Notably, Amorim had previously been mentioned as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola, who has opted to depart Manchester City at the season’s end following a trophy-laden decade in charge.
Hugo Viana, the sporting director who worked alongside Amorim during his tenure at Sporting, took up a comparable role at the Etihad last year, with reports emerging in October 2024 that City had earmarked Amorim as a potential successor to Guardiola.
Several other leading clubs were also linked with the Portuguese coach during his time in Lisbon, amongst them Liverpool.
Yet it was Manchester United who made their move for the former Sporting boss just weeks after City’s interest had been made public, having taken the decision to dismiss Erik ten Hag.