- Man Utd sacked Ruben Amorim in January
- Benfica want him to replace Jose Mourinho
- Amorim is expected to turn them down
Former Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is reportedly set to turn down the chance to return to management with Benfica. The Portuguese tactician has been linked with his former playing club.
Ben Jacobs reports that while Amorim is one of the Liga Portugal giants’ leading targets, he is unlikely to accept the role. The Eagles are in the process of replacing Jose Mourinho, who has made a shock return to Real Madrid.
Amorim has been without a job since he was sacked by United in January. He left unceremoniously, although he hasn’t said a single word about his dismissal or his time at the club.
Amorim could stay in Premier League
It does feel as though Amorim has unfinished business in the Premier League and might be keen to prove United and his critics wrong. There can be no argument that he was a failure during a tumultuous 14-year reign.
The 41-year-old’s stubbornness saw him persist with a system that didn’t suit his squad. He oversaw the worst finish in the club’s top-flight history, with a 15th-place finish last season.
Amorim’s stock was sky high when he arrived at Old Trafford, having guided Sporting CP to two Liga Portugal titles. While he undoubtedly was his own worst enemy with the decisions he made, INEOS were also wrong to turn to him after sacking Erik ten Hag.
Staying in the Premier League can’t be ruled out for Amorim, and it seems odd that he’d turn down the chance to return to Benfica. There would be less pressure at the Estadio da Luz, and he’d be tasked with leading his former playing side back to the top of Portuguese football.
Revenge on his mind?
Amorim has been linked with Crystal Palace ahead of Oliver Glasner’s departure at the end of the season. That said, the Eagles are fully focused on appointing Andoni Iraola as Glasner’s successor.
There are a few Premier League jobs that could be up for grabs in the future. Eddie Howe is under pressure at Newcastle United while Marco Silva looks increasingly likely to leave Fulham.
A shock reunion with former Sporting director Hugo Viana at Manchester City isn’t possible. The Citizens have reportedly turned to Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola’s replacement ahead of the Spaniard’s exit.
Amorim could be biding his time for an English club to come calling. He might suit a mid-table side looking to take the next step and challenge for European qualification.
