“Ruben Amorim in a privileged position to coach a rival of his former club.”

Ruben Amorim, a name poised to shake up the world of Portuguese football, is at the forefront of taking over the helm at Benfica, the fierce rivals of his former club, Sporting CP. The possibility of such a controversial switch arises after his tumultuous stint at Manchester United, where pressure and expectations led to a premature departure.

Appointed as manager of Manchester United in November 2024, following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag, Amorim arrived at Old Trafford with an impressive resume, having won five trophies in less than five years at Sporting, including two league titles. However, his tactical approach, characterized by a defensive system with three center-backs, drew criticism from the outset. The club, under his guidance, reached historic levels of frustration, culminating in a disappointing 15th place in the Premier League and a painful defeat in the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur. The situation only worsened, and after a disagreement with director of football Jason Wilcox, Amorim was sacked in January, leaving behind a trail of disappointment.

Now, according to information from the Portuguese newspaper Zero Zero and journalist Luis Rocha Rodrigues, Amorim has emerged as one of the main candidates to lead Benfica. “If Benfica needs a plan B… they have to consider Ruben Amorim. Looking at the market and valid solutions, someone who knows how to win in Portugal and understands the pressure of being at a big club, Amorim is in a privileged position,” Rodrigues stated.

Currently, José Mourinho is at the helm of Benfica, a club that is experiencing tumultuous days, sitting in third place in the Primeira Liga, seven points behind leaders Porto. Eliminations from the Champions League, the Taça de Portugal, and the Taça da Liga increase the pressure on Mourinho, leaving his future in doubt. The possibility of Amorim replacing Mourinho is an explosive idea, especially considering his emotional connection with Sporting CP, where any move towards the rival could irreversibly tarnish his reputation among the lion fans.

It is important to remember that Amorim is no stranger to Benfica, having played 154 matches for the club during his career as a player. However, the current scenario is complicated, as the history of rivalry between the two clubs is intense, and Amorim’s decision to embrace a new challenge could be seen as a betrayal by many.

Mourinho’s situation at Benfica is uncomfortable, and speculation about his possible departure is growing. In January, the Daily Mail reported that Mourinho’s position was becoming increasingly vulnerable, with Amorim being one of the preferred options for the management. However, sacking Mourinho, a legendary figure in European football, is a colossal decision that could have lasting repercussions.

Meanwhile, Manchester United continues its search for a new permanent manager, while Michael Carrick has shown solid performance as interim, positioning himself in the running for the role. The club is also considering talks with managers such as Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto De Zerbi, further complicating the narrative surrounding Amorim.

As Ruben Amorim’s future unfolds, the Portuguese football world is watching closely, aware that his next decisions could not only shape his career but also the landscape of national football. The tension is palpable, and with each passing day, the possibility of a dramatic shift between Sporting and Benfica becomes more real.