It eventually became clear as ink, even among life-weary owners and managers at Manchester United, that Ruben Amorim was the right man to lead the club. – To really lubricate it for the Portuguese manager, interim manager Michael Carrick has largely secured a place in next season’s Champions League.
Ruben Amorim was not around.
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The manager left Manchester United in January on what is referred to as a mutual agreement – and has not coached a single team since then.
Ruben Amorim left Manchester United in January. Since then, he has been completely out of work. And so he has planned to continue. The Portuguese coach, who won two league championships with Sporting and was the architect of last year’s golden streak, is crystal clear about what he wants to do in 2026/27 – that is, next season.
A sabbatical year of learning – not unemployment
Currently, his name is linked with several clubs, especially in the Premier League. Nevertheless, Ruben Amorim has decided to take a sabbatical year in 2026/27, according to BOLA. The coach’s plan is to use the season to strengthen his own skills – to acquire new knowledge. But he is also not blind to what is happening in the transfer market, or what opportunities may suddenly appear throughout the summer.
Amorim intends to exchange ideas with some of the coaches he admires. He wants to compare working methods and football philosophy with others – a practice that is quite common, even among the very best in the world.
A journey without a break – until now
All the way from his time at Casa Pia, where he started as a trainee coach in a highly controversial process, via SC Braga B, Amorim’s career has been one steep uphill climb. From the moment he took over Braga’s first team, it went from strength to strength: Alvalade, Sporting, titles, Manchester. Without a single break. Until now.
One thing is for sure: He will not return to Portugal
Amorim has always had a strong bond with Benfica – both as a player and as a supporter. At the same time, he carries Sporting, which gave him his greatest triumphs, just as strongly in his heart. However, his plan is not to return to the Portuguese league anytime soon.
For the coach, a return to the I League next season is completely out of the question. Only a very good offer from abroad can make him change his plans for 2026/27.
The road ahead for the Portuguese star professional
Ruben Amorim started as a trainee coach at Casa Pia during a turbulent period that ended with points deductions for the club – and a suspension of Amorim himself for acting as head coach without the necessary qualifications. He had one foot in Estoril and in Benfica’s youth department, but eventually ended up at SC Braga.
In December 2019, he took over as head coach of Braga, replacing Ricardo Sá Pinto and winning a League Cup. In March 2020, he left for Alvalade. He stayed at Sporting until October 2024 – before signing for Manchester United in November. On January 5 this year, the surprising news came from the English big club: The coach is leaving the club. Now a year without the sidelines awaits. But hardly a year without football.
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