Ruben Amorim was sacked by Manchester United in January and has remained silent since his exit from Old Trafford
Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim has been out of a job since the start of the year(Image: Getty Images)
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Ruben Amorim has maintained his silence since being dismissed by Manchester United in January, which concluded his 14-month spell. Nearly four months following his exit from Old Trafford, the 41-year-old has neither posted on social media nor spoken publicly in what has been a conscious decision not to cause a distraction to Michael Carrick.
The Portuguese steered the club to the Europa League final last season but his reign was dominated by persistent discussions surrounding a 3-4-3 formation that never truly came to fruition. His period in charge concluded following the 1-1 draw at Leeds United, where he delivered a frank message to the board in his final post-match press conference.
Friction had been mounting in the preceding weeks, primarily owing to his dissatisfaction over his degree of input in the club's transfer strategy. The former United manager had previously indicated disagreements with senior figures over plans for the January window.
Since returning to Portugal, Amorim has been seen out and about but has continued to remain tight-lipped. With that said, the MEN has examined what the Portuguese has been occupied with in recent weeks.
Qatar Open appearance
In February, just weeks following his sacking from United, Amorim was seen in the stands at the Qatar Open in Doha. He was observing Carlos Alcaraz's match against Karen Khachanov.
Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim at the Qatar Open
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Playing padel with Man City chief
Last month, Amorim seemed at ease and in good spirits during a visit to the Padel Expo club in Lisbon alongside Manchester City sporting director Hugo Viana. The duo played together at Braga and subsequently collaborated during Amorim's tenure at Sporting Clube de Portugal, before he assumed control at Old Trafford.
Writing on Instagram, the sports club stated: "We tried to reinforce our technical staff but it wasn't possible. Thanks a lot for the visit, Ruben Amorim and Hugo Viana - it was a pleasure to have you both with us here at Padel Expo."
Football school appearance
Amorim also called in at the Aguias de Camarate Football School in Lisbon, much to the delight of the youngsters. The club disclosed on social media that the former manager was at the training facility at the end of March.
"Last Saturday, March 28, we received a very special visit from Ruben Amorim," a social media post from Aguias de Camarate wrote. "Our young athletes had the opportunity to share unique moments, take photographs, and experience even more closely the dream they all live every day: playing football.
"Moments like this will forever remain in the memory of our kids and are a huge motivation for them to continue working, learning, and believing. Thank you for the visit and the inspiration."
Return to a familiar home
This month, Amorim paid a visit to a location where he spent time as a youth player - Clube Atletico e Cultural (CAC) in Odivelas, Lisbon. To the joy of the children present, he posed for photographs and signed autographs, looking in excellent spirits throughout.
On Instagram, CAC posted: "A good son always returns home. Today we had a different and special morning. Ruben Amorim gifted us with his presence and spent time with some of our young talents.
"Between photos, smiles and lots of fun, it was heard: 'Come to CAC.' Do you accept the challenge, Ruben? You will always be welcome in a home that is also yours."
Tipped for return to management
Amorim is being linked with a return to the touchline at Sporting's bitter rivals Benfica, should the Portuguese heavyweights opt to sack Jose Mourinho at the end of the campaign. Portuguese publication ZeroZero claims that Amorim is amongst the frontrunners to assume control at the Estadio da Luz.
Such an appointment would prove deeply controversial in Portugal, considering the intense rivalry between Sporting and Benfica. Nevertheless, the former midfielder started his youth career with the Eagles and subsequently returned in 2008, remaining until 2017 before retiring from playing.
It has been a frustrating campaign for Benfica, who now have nothing remaining to compete for. They trail leaders FC Porto by seven points, while Sporting are third but hold a game in hand over their Lisbon adversaries.
Brazilian outfit Vasco da Gama have also been referenced as possible destinations.