Former Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim could be set for an imminent return to management with Portuguese giants Benfica. Reports suggest that Amorim is close to taking over the Eagles with their current Jose Mourinho, returning to Real Madrid.
Mourinho’s return to the Spanish capital on a two-year deal is expected to be announced after Los Blancos’ final of the season on Sunday.
Benfica Is Looking For A Title Next Season
The Portuguese giants finished third in the Primeira Liga this season under Mourinho, despite remaining unbeaten throughout their domestic league campaign, but 11 draws left them eight points adrift of eventual champions FC Porto.
Everybody associated with Benfica expects to win the Portuguese league title every season. They hold the record for the most Portuguese top-flight titles, having won it 38 times. However, they have not won the title since the 2022/23 season, which is considered a long time for the club from the Portuguese capital.
Knows How To Be Successful In The Primeira Liga
Amorim will know all about Benfica’s high standards, as he spent seven years with the Eagles as a player, winning the Primeira Liga title on three occasions.
Former United head coach Ruben Amorim is, of course, highly familiar with winning the Primeira Liga title as manager. The 41-year-old claimed three titles with Benfica’s arch-rivals Sporting in seasons 2020–21, 2023–24 and 2024–25.
It was at Sporting where Amorim developed a reputation for being one of European football’s brightest head coaches. His performance as Sporting’s head coach was enough for Manchester United to appoint him as their head coach in November 2024.
However, his spell with the Red Devils was underwhelming to say the least, and he left the Manchester club early this year. Despite his association with their rivals, the Benfica job will be seen as an ideal opportunity to rebuild his managerial career.
The move would also suit Benfica, as they would get a new head coach without paying compensation, and one who has a point to prove that his time at United was just a blip.