Ruben Amorim Set for Managerial Comeback at Benfica
Ruben Amorim is strongly tipped to make a dramatic return to football management this summer, with reports indicating he will replace another former Manchester United boss in a high-profile move. Amorim was dismissed as manager of the Red Devils in January 2026 after a disappointing tenure that began in November 2024. During his time at Old Trafford, the Portuguese coach oversaw 63 matches, securing only 24 victories, which translates to a win rate of just 38.10 percent.
His exit from Manchester United did little to salvage his reputation, especially as interim manager Michael Carrick swiftly improved the team's performance, winning four and drawing one of his first five games in charge. Despite this setback, Amorim's career is far from over, and insiders predict he will be back at the helm of a major club by the start of the next season.
From Sporting Success to Benfica Homecoming
Amorim was once hailed as one of Europe's most promising young managers when he transitioned from Sporting to Manchester United, and his earlier achievements in Portugal have not been forgotten. ESPN sources suggest that Amorim is likely to return to Benfica, the club where he enjoyed significant success as a player. From 2008 to 2015, Amorim played for Benfica, winning multiple Primeira Liga titles and earning all 14 of his caps for the Portuguese national team while at the club.
Currently, Benfica is managed by Jose Mourinho, who took over in September 2025 after leaving Fenerbahce. Mourinho's return to Portugal has faced some challenges, but a memorable 4-2 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League, sealed by a stoppage-time goal from their goalkeeper, has boosted morale. According to ESPN, Mourinho is anticipated to be offered the position of Portugal's national team manager after the 2026 World Cup, as current coach Roberto Martinez's contract expires post-tournament.
Managerial Shifts and Future Prospects
If Mourinho accepts the expected offer, Amorim emerges as the prime candidate to succeed him at the Estadio da Luz. Amorim reportedly enjoys significant support among Benfica's decision-makers, largely due to his esteemed legacy from his playing days, making this move his most probable route back into management.
Meanwhile, the search for Amorim's permanent replacement at Manchester United took an unexpected turn when Thomas Tuchel extended his contract as England manager until 2028. Tuchel, previously a frontrunner for the United job, expressed his enthusiasm in a statement, saying, 'I am very happy and proud to extend my time with England. It is an incredible opportunity, and we are going to do our very best to make the country proud.'
As the managerial landscape evolves, odds for Manchester United's next permanent manager have been released, with Michael Carrick leading at 10/11, followed by Oliver Glasner at 5/1 and Gareth Southgate at 6/1. This ongoing speculation underscores the dynamic nature of football management, with Amorim's potential Benfica appointment marking a key development in the sport's ever-changing narrative.
