Ruben Amorim ‘main candidate for controversial subsequent job’ two months after Man Utd axe
Ruben Amorim left Manchester United in January after just 14 months in the job, and the former Red Devils boss is now being linked with a controversial return to management at Benfica
Ruben Amorim’s time at Manchester United came to an end in January(Image: Getty Images)
Former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is being tipped for a return to the dugout with Sporting’s bitter rivals Benfica, should the Portuguese powerhouses opt to sever ties with Jose Mourinho.
Amorim left United following merely 14 months in charge at the beginning of the year. After overseeing the club’s most dismal Premier League campaign ever (15th place), the Red Devils were defeated in the Europa League final by Tottenham, missing out on European competition.
He received his marching orders following the 1-1 stalemate with Leeds United in January and was succeeded by Michael Carrick. The ex-United midfielder has transformed fortunes at Old Trafford, with Champions League qualification appearing probable for next season.
Brazilian outfit Vasco da Gama have been mentioned as potential suitors for Amorim down the line, but reports emerging from Portugal suggest 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 certainly spark controversy in Portugal given the intense animosity between Sporting and Benfica.
Mourinho is presently at the helm in Lisbon following his return to the club after 25 years earlier this campaign.
Nevertheless, Benfica currently trail Sporting and FC Porto in the championship battle and a managerial switch 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.”
Amorim spent a considerable portion of his playing days at Benfica, turning out 154 times for the club. He previously coached in Portugal with Casa Pia and Braga, before establishing himself in the limelight at Sporting CP, one of Benfica’s bitter adversaries.
At United, a permanent replacement for Amorim has yet to be determined. Carrick has excelled during his interim tenure but it remains unclear whether the club will hand him the role permanently or seek alternatives.
Luis Enrique is reportedly leading the shortlist following his stint at Paris Saint-Germain. Roberto De Zerbi and Carlo Ancelotti have also been cited as possible contenders.
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