Manchester United parted ways with Ruben Amorim in January this year following a dismal 14-month reign that featured more disappointments than triumphs. The Red Devils had only appointed the Portuguese head coach in October 2024 as Erik ten Hag’s replacement.
The Dutch manager had won a trophy in each of his first two seasons, picking up the EFL Cup in his first year and the FA Cup in the 2023/24 campaign. However, things took a turn for the worse in Ten Hag’s third season, and INEOS, who had resisted the urge for a managerial change earlier that summer, opted to let him go.
Meanwhile, Amorim had emerged on the Premier League giants’ radar following a spectacular run with Sporting. The Portuguese had transformed the club’s fortunes, taking charge at their lowest point and going on to win the Primeira Liga twice in his four seasons at the helm.
United were convinced that Amorim was the right man to bring the glory days back to the Theatre of Dreams and handed him the keys to the first-team squad in November 2024. Unfortunately, the Portuguese head coach failed to replicate his form with Sporting at Old Trafford.
Amorim’s arrival saw United shift to a 3-4-3 formation, a shape rarely used at the club. The squad struggled to implement the Portuguese coach’s ideas and this was reflected in their performances and form.
While there were moments of brilliance, like the 2-1 win over Manchester City in the Premier League and the 5-4 win over Lyon in the Europa League quarter-final, the season ended in disaster. The Red Devils finished in 15th place in the league table, and lost the Europa League final 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur.
Amorim’s future was subject to speculation over the summer, but INEOS decided to further invest in his ideas. United spent over £200 million to upgrade the attack and goalkeeping departments, while also offloading the deadwood either on loan or in permanent moves.
The Red Devils’ performances showed massive improvements at the beginning of the campaign. However, the team remained inconsistent, with the EFL Cup exit in the second round at the hands of League Two minnows Grimsby Town also proving to be a huge setback.
As results failed to improve and a top-four finish appeared uncertain, INEOS opted to remove Amorim from his position and appointed Michael Carrick as caretaker manager until the end of the season. United have subsequently turned over a new leaf, winning eight of their 12 games under the Englishman and now sit third in the Premier League after 33 games.
The Portuguese, meanwhile, is yet to take up an assignment since his departure, but it now appears that he is ready to return to football management this summer.
According to CM Esporte, Amorim is ready to take charge at Benfica if they want him, but will only do so if the position becomes vacant this summer. While Amorim is willing to return to management, he does not want to destabilise current manager Jose Mourinho’s position at the Estadio da Luz.
The former United head coach would ideally like to join a foreign club, but he has reportedly confided in his close circle that he is willing to take over at Benfica. Amorim spent six seasons with the Eagles during his playing career, registering 154 appearances in all competitions.
If the Portuguese is to take over at the Estadio da Luz, he would want the same arrangements as he had at Sporting. Amorim wants a long-term project with complete control over signings and football-related matters.
Having burned their fingers with Amorim and Ten Hag, INEOS will be hoping for better luck with their managerial decision this summer. United have been very impressive under Carrick, who is reportedly among the frontrunners for the full-time job.
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