Ruben Amorim’s sacking from Manchester United came after a turbulent 18-month period during which the Portuguese head coach was unable to find a winning formula.
After falling out with the hierarchy at Old Trafford, Amorim was given his marching orders at the start of the calendar year, with Michael Carrick taking over the reins until the end of the season.
Amorim has yet to return to the touchline and will be desperately hoping his stint in Manchester has not damaged his reputation beyond repair.
Homecoming on the horizon?
The 41-year-old made his name as one of the hottest young coaches in Europe with his work at Sporting CP and has been tipped to return to his homeland, this time with another Portuguese giant.
As relayed by Metro, SL Benfica are eyeing a move for Amorim if Jose Mourinho leaves for a huge role in the summer.
The report states that Mourinho is likely to be offered the opportunity to take over as Portugal manager at the end of the World Cup should Roberto Martinez end his tenure.
With Mourinho likely to accept, this would leave Amorim as the prime target for the Benfica position and would see the former United head coach return to a club he knows well.
Amorim enjoyed his best spell as a player in Lisbon and would surely jump at the chance to have a crack at managing his former club.
Given his relationship with the club, Amorim is said to have “significant support among the club’s decision-makers,” which adds even more weight to the argument regarding a return to the Estádio da Luz.
However, Mourinho is expected to see out the season with Benfica clinging on to a spot in the title race, sitting in third and seven points behind leaders Porto despite being unbeaten in the league.
United head role still undecided
Meanwhile, back at Old Trafford, INEOS are deciding who will be in charge at the start of next season, with Michael Carrick currently in the hot seat.
Carrick’s audition has been almost perfect to date, with the recent draw at West Ham the only blemish on his record, that has included some high-profile scalps.
Should Carrick continue this form for the remainder of the campaign, it will be difficult for INEOS not to give him the position on a permanent basis, but they will be in no rush to make what is without doubt the biggest decision since they took control of the sporting structure at the club.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
