Following a humiliating failure at Manchester United, Ruben Amorim is set to return at Benfica, creating a major surprise by facing Sporting and becoming the top candidate for the hot seat in Lisbon.
Former Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim could soon return to the coaching bench, as Portuguese media reports he is the leading candidate to replace Jose Mourinho at Benfica. This would be a highly controversial decision because Amorim was long associated with rival Sporting CP.
Amorim, once one of Europe's most sought-after coaches during his tenure at Sporting, faced significant difficulties in the Premier League. Under his leadership, Manchester United dropped to 15th place in the Premier League and lost to Tottenham in the Europa League final, leading to his dismissal after a draw with Leeds United. Nevertheless, Amorim's reputation and achievements in Portugal remain highly regarded.
The risk of change at Estadio da Luz arises as Benfica is trailing Sporting and Porto in the Primeira Liga title race. Journalist Luis Rocha Rodrigues commented: “If Benfica implements Plan B, they must try Ruben Amorim. Who understands Portuguese football, who knows how to lead a major club and win? Ruben Amorim is at the forefront.”
Amorim is not entirely unfamiliar with Benfica. He played 154 matches for the club during his playing career, and his experience coaching Braga and Sporting to domestic titles makes him an attractive option for the board. Besides Benfica, Amorim has also been mentioned with clubs like Vasco da Gama, but the opportunity to return to the Champions League with his former club is hard to ignore.
At Manchester United, after Amorim's departure, Michael Carrick temporarily took charge and helped revive the team, with a chance to return to the Champions League opening up for next season. Meanwhile, Amorim could begin a new, challenging, and controversial chapter in Lisbon, directly facing Sporting, the club that once brought him to glory.