Just days after his dismissal from Manchester United, Ruben Amorim is already being linked with a rapid return to the dugout, potentially at Portuguese giants Benfica. This opportunity hinges on the future of current Benfica manager Jose Mourinho, whose position is reportedly under threat.
Mourinho under pressure at Estadio da Luz
The speculation arises as Mourinho's second stint at Benfica faces growing scrutiny. The 62-year-old, who replaced Bruno Lage last September, is said to be "increasingly vulnerable" in his role. His team currently sit 10 points behind Primeira Liga leaders Porto, despite securing 14 wins from his 22 games in charge.
Should the Benfica hierarchy decide to make a change, The Daily Mail reports that Amorim could emerge as a prime candidate. The 40-year-old's strong connection to the club is a significant factor; he made 154 appearances for Benfica as a player, winning three league titles and one Taca de Portugal.
Amorim's legacy and the Sporting complication
Benfica legend Nuno Gomes predicted last September, after dining with Amorim, that the coach would one day lead the club. However, any appointment would be highly controversial due to Amorim's immense success at arch-rivals Sporting CP.
Amorim achieved legendary status at Sporting, delivering their first Primeira Liga title in 19 years in the 2020/21 season. He added a second league crown in 2023/24 and won the Taca da Liga twice. It was this success that made him one of Europe's most sought-after young managers, leading to his move to Manchester United 14 months ago following Erik ten Hag's departure.
His potential move to Benfica would undoubtedly enrage Sporting's fanbase, where he spent nearly five years as manager before leaving for Old Trafford in November 2024.
United's interim plans and the road ahead
Amorim's exit from United was confirmed on Monday, 5th January 2026, following a 1-1 draw with Leeds United. The club has moved quickly to install Darren Fletcher as interim manager, with Jonny Evans as his assistant, for the upcoming match against Burnley.
Fletcher described the appointment as a "surreal" honour, though admitted the circumstances were not ideal. He and Evans will also lead the team in their FA Cup tie against Brighton this Sunday. United are then expected to appoint a temporary manager until the summer, with former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rumoured to be a leading contender for that role.
Interestingly, rumours in September suggested Benfica were monitoring Amorim's rocky start at United. Instead, they opted to bring Mourinho back to Portugal. Now, the fortunes of these two Portuguese managers appear once again intertwined, with one's potential departure paving the way for the other's immediate comeback.
