Just days after his dismissal from Manchester United, Ruben Amorim is already being linked with a swift return to management, with his former club Benfica reportedly considering him as a potential successor to the under-pressure Jose Mourinho.
A Disappointing Reign at Old Trafford
Ruben Amorim's 14-month tenure as Manchester United manager ended on Monday, January 7, 2026. The 40-year-old Portuguese coach, who arrived from Sporting CP, managed only 24 victories from his 63 matches in charge. This gave him the lowest win percentage of any permanent United manager since the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
While poor results on the pitch were a major factor, reports also indicate Amorim had fallen out with the club's hierarchy in the days leading up to his exit. His departure marks a difficult end to a chapter that began with promise after his success in Portugal.
Benfica Links Resurface
Despite his struggles in the Premier League, Amorim's reputation from his time at Sporting appears intact. According to the Daily Mail, he is now in 'pole position' to take over at Benfica in the summer if the club decides to part ways with current boss Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho's position is said to be looking "increasingly vulnerable" after Benfica slipped ten points behind Portuguese league leaders Porto and down to 25th in the Champions League rankings. The legendary manager only took the job in September 2025 after the sacking of Bruno Lage.
Links between Amorim and a return to Benfica are not new. During the club's presidential election campaign, candidate Joao Noronha Lopes publicly expressed his desire to bring Amorim back, even attending a match at Old Trafford. Lopes ultimately lost the election to Rui Costa, who appointed Mourinho instead.
What Next for United and Amorim?
Meanwhile, Manchester United are reportedly in direct talks with another former manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, about a caretaker role following Amorim's sacking. This has sparked debate among fans about whether appointing Solskjaer, who won no trophies in his three-year spell, represents a step backwards.
For Amorim, a return to Benfica would be a poignant move. The former midfielder spent nearly a decade at the club as a player, winning three league titles and earning 14 caps for Portugal. It remains to be seen if he will take the job immediately or opt for a break after a taxing period in Manchester.
The situation highlights the volatile nature of football management, where a swift rebound is often possible, and former allegiances can quickly come back into focus.
