Former Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is rumored to be set to return to the dugout of Sporting rivals Benfica if the Portuguese giants choose to part ways with manager Jose Mourinho. Amorim left United earlier this year after just 14 months. The Red Devils finished last season in the Premier League, their worst result in the club’s history, losing to Tottenham in the Europa League final and missing out on European football altogether.
Amorim was sacked after a 1-1 draw with Leeds United in January and was replaced by Michael Carrick. The former United midfielder has reversed his fortunes at Old Trafford and looks likely to see Champions League football return next season. In recent weeks, there have been rumors that Brazilian club Vasco da Gama could appoint Amorim in the future.
However, reports from Portugal claim that Benfica have the 41-year-old on their shortlist.
ZeroZero reported that Amorim is a strong candidate for the Estadio da Luz manager’s job. Given the intense rivalry between Sporting and Benfica, this appointment will be highly controversial in Portugal, to say the least.
Mourinho returned to the club earlier this season after a 25-year absence and is currently in charge of Lisbon.
Despite this, Benfica are currently behind Sporting and Porto in the championship race, and a new manager has yet to be sacked.
Journalist Luis Rocha Rodríguez said: “If Benfica go with Plan B, which I think… Benfica need to try Rubén Amorim.”
“Someone who looks at the market and considers logical and valid solutions, who knows how to win in Portugal, who understands what it means to be at a big club. I think Ruben Amorim is in pole position.”
Amorim spent the majority of his playing career with Benfica, making 154 appearances for the club. He previously managed Portuguese clubs Casa Pia and Braga before emerging at Sporting.
United have yet to decide on Amorim’s long-term replacement. Carrick has excelled during his time as caretaker manager, but it remains unclear whether the club will hand him the position permanently or look for a replacement.
Luis Enrique is thought to be high on his wish list following the end of his spell at Paris Saint-Germain. Roberto De Zerbi and Carlo Ancelotti have also been mentioned as candidates.
