Ruben Amorim has been out of work since he left Manchester United in January. Now the former Sporting Lisbon coach can soon make a comeback on the bench – in familiar surroundings.
Amorim is facing a return to football. He has been appointed to take over from another former Manchester United manager: José Mourinho – at Benfica.
Read: How Florentino and Mourinho will win the next Champions League
The nightmare at Manchester United is over in time!
When Amorim arrived in the Premier League, he had a formidable reputation on him. But the stay at Old Trafford was anything but a success. The 41-year-old Portuguese was fired already in January. Fortunately for Manchester United, fate has turned considerably under Michael Carrick, who is now on the verge of becoming permanent head coach after impressing as an interim solution.
Back to Portugal – but to the rivals
Amorim first made a name for himself as a coach in Portugal with Sporting Lisbon, where he won two league championships. Now the comeback could come in one of Sporting’s biggest rivals.
The Sun claims that Benfica have set their sights on Amorim as Mourinho’s successor. The latter is himself on his way to Real Madrid after agreeing to return to the Spanish giants.
Played for Benfica himself – and is close friends with the president
Although Amorim has strong ties to Sporting Lisbon, he actually represented Benfica as a player. He even ended his career at the club before transitioning to the coaching profession. He is also “close friends” with Benfica president Rui Costa, who was the club’s sporting director when Amorim played there. The president remains a big admirer of Amorim – despite winning only 25 of his 63 games as Manchester United boss.
Background: Viana in place at City – and Liverpool were also interested
Hugo Viana – the sporting director Amorim worked closely with at Sporting Lisbon – took on the same role at the Etihad last year. In fact, it was reported that City had already in October 2024 designated Amorim as a candidate to replace Pep Guardiola. Other big clubs, including Liverpool, have also shown interest in Amorim during his time in Portugal.
But it was Manchester United who finally brought in the Portuguese coach – just weeks after City’s interest became known – when they decided to sack Erik ten Hag.
Radiosporten: Real Madrid legend leaves club this summer
