Manager Ruben Amorim remains out of work after being let go by Manchester United in January, but reports in Portugal have claimed he's emerged as the frontrunner for a job
Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim was sacked by Manchester United in January(Image: Getty Images)
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Former Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is being linked with a return to management with Sporting's rivals Benfica, should the Portuguese giants decide to part ways with Jose Mourinho.
Amorim departed United after just 14 months at the start of the year. After recording the club's worst-ever Premier League finish (15th), the Red Devils lost in the Europa League final to Tottenham to miss out on European football.
He was sacked after the 1-1 draw against Leeds United in January and replaced by Michael Carrick. The former United midfielder has turned things around at Old Trafford, with Champions League football looking likely to return next season.
Brazilian side Vasco da Gama have been linked with appointing Amorim in the future, but reports coming out of Portugal have claimed that Benfica have the 41-year-old on their shortlist.
Portuguese outlet ZeroZero have reported that Amorim is a standout candidate to take over at the Estadio da Luz. The move would be a controversial one in Portugal to say the least considering the fierce rivalry between Sporting and Benfica.
Mourinho is currently in charge in Lisbon after returning to the club after 25 years earlier this season. However, Benfica currently sit behind Sporting and FC Porto in the race for the title and a change in the dug-out hasn't been ruled out.
"If Benfica go to what I consider plan B... Benfica have to try Ruben Amorim," journalist Luis Rocha Rodrigues. said.
LEEDS, ENGLAND - JANUARY 04: Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United looks on prior to the Premier League match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Elland Road on January 04, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim during his final match as Manchester United boss(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
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"Looking at the market, looking at logical and valid solutions, someone who knows how to win in Portugal, someone who understands what it means to be at a big club. I think Ruben Amorim is in pole position."
Amorim spent a large part of his playing career at Benfica, playing 154 times for them. He previously managed in Portugal with Casa Pia and Braga, before placing himself in the spotlight at Sporting CP, one of Benfica's fierce rivals.
At United, a permanent successor to Amorim is yet to be decided. Carrick has impressed in his interim spell but it is not yet known whether the club will offer him the job on a permanent basis or look elsewhere.
Luis Enrique is reportedly at the top of the radar after his time at Paris Saint-Germain. Roberto De Zerbi and Carlo Ancelotti have also been mentioned as potential candidates.