Amorim Emerges as Leading Candidate for Benfica Role Despite Old Firm Ties and United Failure

Ruben Amorim could stir up a proper hornet's nest with his next career move, with Portuguese reports suggesting he's firmly in the frame to take over at Benfica—a prospect that would set alarm bells ringing among Sporting CP supporters given his history with their fierce rivals.

The 41-year-old arrived at Old Trafford in November 2024 following Erik ten Hag's departure, having built an impressive CV at Sporting that included five trophies across less than five years, among them two domestic titles. His time in Manchester, however, proved an unmitigated disaster. His insistence on deploying a back three drew immediate criticism, and United's performance deteriorated dramatically under his watch. The club finished 15th in the Premier League and suffered a Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last season. While there was a brief uptick in form this campaign, Amorim was sacked in January following a falling-out with director of football Jason Wilcox.

Now, according to Portuguese media outlet Zero Zero and journalist Luis Rocha Rodrigues, Amorim has become a 'leading contender' to manage Benfica, with the Estadio da Luz hierarchy seemingly unbothered by his English misadventure. Rodrigues commented: "If Benfica go to what I consider plan B… Benfica have to try Ruben Amorim. 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."

Jose Mourinho currently holds the Benfica position, having taken the job in September. Yet pressure is mounting on the Portuguese legend as Benfica sit third in the Primeira Liga, seven points adrift of Porto, while also bowing out of the Champions League, Taca de Portugal, and Allianz Cup.

An Amorim-to-Benfica move would be nothing short of a bombshell, given his deep connections with Sporting. It would almost certainly damage his standing with the Lisbon club's fanbase. That said, Amorim does boast prior experience with Benfica from his playing career, when he made 154 appearances for the club.

This isn't the first time Amorim's name has been linked with the role—January brought similar speculation about Mourinho's vulnerability, though replacing the legendary manager would represent a seismic decision for any club.

Interestingly, Mourinho himself triggered controversy when appointed Benfica boss, having launched his managerial career there before famously steering Porto to Champions League glory in 2003-04.

Back at United, the club continues its managerial search. Michael Carrick has impressed as interim boss and has strengthened his case for the permanent position, though INEOS are also keen to explore options including Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto De Zerbi.