Ruben Amorim: From Man Utd Flop to Benfica Boss? | Football365

Former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is emerging as a leading candidate to take over at Benfica, a move that would be considered highly controversial given his strong ties to Sporting CP, United’s fierce rivals. The potential appointment, reported by Portuguese outlet Zero Zero and journalist Luis Rocha Rodrigues, comes just two months after Amorim’s dismissal from the Premier League club.

Amorim, who guided Sporting to five trophies in under five years, including two Primeira Liga titles, was appointed by Manchester United in November 2024 following the sacking of Erik ten Hag. However, his tenure at Old Trafford was marked by struggles, including a historic low of 15th place in the Premier League and a loss in the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur. He was ultimately sacked in January after a reported falling out with director of football Jason Wilcox.

Despite his unsuccessful spell in England, Benfica appears undeterred. Rodrigues stated that if Benfica pursue an alternative to their current manager, Amorim would be a prime target, citing his winning record in Portugal and understanding of the demands of a major club. “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,” Rodrigues said.

The potential move is complicated by Amorim’s history with Sporting. A switch to Benfica would likely be met with strong disapproval from Sporting fans, given the intense rivalry between the two Lisbon clubs. However, Amorim also has a past connection with Benfica, having made 154 appearances for the club during his playing career.

The speculation surrounding Amorim’s future arrives as current Benfica manager Jose Mourinho faces increasing pressure. Benfica currently sits third in the Primeira Liga, seven points behind league leaders Porto, and has been eliminated from the Champions League, Taca de Portugal, and Allianz Cup. Mourinho, who returned to Benfica earlier this season after a 25-year absence, previously managed rivals Porto, winning the Champions League with them in 2004.

At Manchester United, interim manager Michael Carrick has overseen an improvement in form, putting himself in contention for the permanent role. INEOS, the club’s new ownership group, is also reportedly considering Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto De Zerbi as potential candidates.