In a stunning twist that could send shockwaves through European football, Benfica is reportedly preparing an audacious move to bring former Sporting CP boss and current Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim back to the Primeira Liga.
The speculation comes amid a turbulent period for Amorim at Old Trafford. Following Manchester United’s dismal 3-0 defeat in the derby against Manchester City, pressure has mounted on the Portuguese coach, who has won just eight of his 31 league games in charge. This marks the club’s worst start to a season since the early 1990s.
But while his tenure in England looks increasingly uncertain, interest from his homeland is heating up. According to reports from Daily Mail and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Benfica presidential candidate Joao Noronha Lopes is “keen” on appointing Amorim as the club’s new manager. The move is said to be a central pillar of Lopes’ campaign ahead of next month’s club elections.
Amorim, who enjoyed legendary status at Sporting after ending their 20-year league title drought and restoring their European reputation, remains one of the most respected managers in Portuguese football. His potential return to Lisbon—though to Benfica, Sporting’s fierce rivals—would represent a monumental coup.
Adding intrigue to the story, former Portugal international Nuno Gomes, who is running for vice-president alongside Lopes, was recently spotted at the Etihad Stadium. Portuguese newspaper A Bola claims the visit was directly related to their interest in Amorim.
During his campaign trail in Evora, Gomes was also asked about the possibility of Amorim taking charge at Benfica and did not dismiss the idea. In the same breath, Noronha Lopes confirmed that a contract has already been prepared for Manchester City star Bernardo Silva in an ambitious attempt to lure him back to the Estádio da Luz.
Silva, a product of Benfica’s academy, spent 13 years in Lisbon before joining Monaco in 2015. A return would be a sentimental and strategic masterstroke—one that could help sweeten the deal for Amorim.
For now, the 39-year-old manager remains publicly committed to United. After the derby defeat, he stated: “I am going to give everything. I will do everything, always thinking about what is best for the club.” But with games against Chelsea and other top sides looming, another defeat could tip the scales.
As Gary Neville warned, questions will be asked if United lose again. And if they do, Amorim may find a familiar door wide open—waiting for his return.
