Ruben Amorim, dismissed by Manchester United on Monday, could be handed an immediate route back into football management at Portuguese giants Benfica, but his appointment hinges on the future of current boss Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho Under Pressure at Estadio da Luz
According to reports, Mourinho's position at Benfica is becoming increasingly vulnerable as his side currently languish 10 points behind league leaders Porto in the Primeira Liga. The 62-year-old special one only took the helm last September, replacing Bruno Lage, and has since overseen 14 wins from 22 games in charge.
Amorim's Legendary Status at Benfica
Should Benfica decide to part ways with Mourinho, The Daily Mail suggests Amorim would be a prime candidate for the role. The 40-year-old retains significant goodwill at the club from his distinguished playing career, having made 154 appearances for the Eagles, winning three Primeira Liga titles and one Taca de Portugal.
This connection was highlighted back in September when Benfica icon Nuno Gomes, after dining with Amorim, predicted the then-United manager would one day take charge of the club.
A Move That Would Inflame Rivalry
However, any move to appoint Amorim would be highly controversial and would enrage supporters of rivals Sporting CP, where Amorim cemented his legendary managerial status. During his near five-year tenure there, he ended the club's 19-year wait for a league title in the 2020/21 season, secured a second championship in 2023/24, and lifted the Taca da Liga twice.
It was this success that made him one of Europe's most sought-after young coaches, leading Manchester United to appoint him 14 months ago following Erik ten Hag's departure.
Interestingly, rumours in September indicated Benfica were already monitoring Amorim's situation at Old Trafford during a difficult start to the season. The club ultimately opted to bring Mourinho back to Portugal instead, two decades after he left Porto for Chelsea.
United's Interim Setup and Future Plans
Amorim's tenure at United ended after a 1-1 draw with Leeds United on Sunday. The club has swiftly moved to appoint Darren Fletcher as interim manager, with Jonny Evans as his assistant, for the upcoming fixture against Burnley.
Fletcher described the appointment as a surreal and amazing honour, albeit under difficult circumstances. He and Evans are also set to lead the team in their FA Cup clash with Brighton this Sunday.
United's plan is to then appoint a temporary manager until the summer, with former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer emerging as a leading contender for that short-term role.
