Former Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has been without work since being sacked at the start of the year and replaced by Michael Carrick
Ruben Amorim could make a return to management back in Portugal(Image: Getty Images)
Former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is being tipped for a return to the dugout with Sporting’s fierce rivals Benfica, should the Portuguese heavyweights opt to sack Jose Mourinho. Amorim left United after merely 14 months in charge at the beginning of the year.
Following the club’s worst-ever Premier League campaign (15th place), the Red Devils were beaten in the Europa League final by Tottenham to miss out on European competition. He was dismissed following the 1-1 draw against Leeds United in January and succeeded by Michael Carrick.
The ex-United midfielder has transformed fortunes at Old Trafford, with Champions League qualification appearing probable next term. Under Amorim, a top four finish seemed a mammoth task following a string of poor results.
READ MORE: Two Man Utd players Ruben Amorim called out for ‘fighting’ and where they are nowREAD MORE: Man Utd’s Marcus Rashford reversal ahead of Newcastle match led to huge manager question
Brazilian outfit Vasco da Gama have been mentioned as potential suitors for Amorim down the line, but reports emerging from Portugal have suggested that Benfica have the 41-year-old on their radar.
Portuguese publication ZeroZero have claimed that Amorim is a leading contender to assume control at the Estadio da Luz. The appointment would prove deeply contentious in Portugal to say the least given the intense rivalry between Sporting and Benfica.
FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page
Mourinho is presently at the helm in Lisbon following his return to the club after a 25-year absence earlier this campaign.
Nevertheless, Benfica currently trail Sporting and FC Porto in the battle for the championship and a managerial change hasn’t been dismissed.
“If Benfica go to what I consider plan B… Benfica have to try Ruben Amorim,” journalist Luis Rocha Rodrigues said.
“Looking at the market, looking at logical and valid solutions, someone who knows how to win in Portugal, someone who understands what it means to be at a big club. I think Ruben Amorim is in pole position.”
Ruben Amorim left Manchester United in January after 14 months(Image: Getty Images)
Amorim spent a substantial portion of his playing days at Benfica, making 154 appearances for them. He previously managed in Portugal with Casa Pia and Braga, before putting himself in the limelight at Sporting CP, one of Benfica’s bitter rivals.
At United, a permanent replacement for Amorim has yet to be determined. Carrick has made a strong impression during his interim tenure but it remains unclear whether the club will hand him the role on a permanent basis or seek alternatives.
Luis Enrique is reportedly top of the shortlist following his stint at Paris Saint-Germain. Roberto De Zerbi and Carlo Ancelotti have also been referenced as possible contenders.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
£49
£35
Sky
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.