Is it time for Amorim to return to management? It depends on Mourinho

Ruben Amorim may be on the verge of a swift return to football management following his disappointing stint at Manchester United. The Portuguese tactician, who was dismissed by the Premier League side in January, has now emerged as Benfica’s top choice to succeed Jose Mourinho ahead of next season.

After several difficult months at Old Trafford, Amorim has remained without a club, but interest from Portugal appears to be growing rapidly. According to reports, Benfica see the former Sporting coach as the ideal candidate to take over if Mourinho departs for Real Madrid this summer.

Mourinho’s future in Lisbon has become increasingly uncertain despite guiding Benfica through an unbeaten domestic league campaign. The club still finished third in the table and failed to secure Champions League qualification, leading to speculation that his time at Estadio da Luz could soon come to an end. Reports in Spain suggest Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is considering Mourinho for a return to the Santiago Bernabeu, setting off a potential managerial domino effect.

Should Mourinho leave, Benfica are expected to move quickly for Amorim, whose reputation in Portugal remains extremely high despite his struggles in England. The 41-year-old enjoyed enormous success with Sporting, winning two league titles and establishing himself as one of Europe’s brightest young managers. He also claimed multiple League Cup trophies during spells with Sporting and Braga.

A switch to Benfica would also carry personal meaning for Amorim. He spent part of his playing career with the Lisbon giants and ended his professional playing days there in 2017. During that period, current Benfica president Rui Costa was serving as sporting director, and the two are believed to have maintained a strong relationship ever since.

Amorim’s time at Manchester United never truly took off. Internal disagreements and inconsistent performances ultimately led to his dismissal shortly after the New Year following a Premier League draw against Leeds United. Across 63 matches in charge, he recorded 25 wins and 23 defeats.

Now, a return to Portugal could offer Amorim the perfect opportunity to reset his career and re-establish himself in a familiar environment where he previously enjoyed major success.