Ruben Amorim is set to return to management after his departure from Manchester United, with Benfica positioning the Portuguese coach as their leading candidate to succeed Jose Mourinho. The 41-year-old has been without a club since his dismissal in January following a tumultuous spell at Old Trafford, but Portuguese football now offers a pathway back to the dugout.
Mourinho's expected move to Real Madrid has triggered the managerial vacancy at Estadio da Luz. Despite steering Benfica to an unbeaten league season, the former Chelsea boss could not secure Champions League qualification as the club finished third. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has reportedly made contact with Mourinho, setting in motion the reshuffle that could see Amorim return home.
A Homecoming with History
Amorim's connection to Benfica runs deep. He represented the Lisbon giants as a player and retired there in 2017, establishing relationships that remain influential today. Club president Rui Costa, who served as sporting director during Amorim's final playing years, continues to admire the coach and is believed to be driving the appointment. This personal relationship could prove decisive in negotiations.
His domestic pedigree in Portugal is undeniable. During two spells with Sporting CP, Amorim won the Portuguese league twice—in 2021 and 2024—while collecting two League Cup titles. He also claimed the Portuguese League Cup with Braga in 2020, establishing himself as one of Europe's most promising young coaches before his move to England.
Rebuilding After Manchester United
Amorim's tenure at Manchester United yielded disappointing results across 63 matches: 25 wins, 23 losses, and 15 draws. Internal tensions and inconsistent performances led to his sacking shortly after a goalless draw against Leeds United. A return to the Portuguese top flight would offer space to rebuild his reputation in a more familiar tactical and cultural environment, where his previous success established a proven track record.
Should Amorim secure the Benfica position, he would inherit a squad that recently achieved an unbeaten league season while managing European ambitions and domestic competition. The move represents both redemption and a chance to reclaim the manager's reputation that flourished before his English sojourn.
