Ruben Amorim, close to returning to football » Favorite to take over the rival of the team for which he wrote history
Article by Mihai Șovei – Published Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 11:35 a.m. / Updated Tuesday, May 19, 2026 11:35 a.m.
Reuben Amorim (41 years old), his former technician Manchester Unitedis close to becoming the head coach of the team Benficathe rival of Sporting, the team with which he won two championship titles in Portugal.
The Portuguese was without a team in January when he was sacked by the Red Devils at the start of January, but is now set to replace Jose Mourinho as he takes over at Real Madrid.
Ruben Amorim, favorite to take over Benfica
According to The Sun, Ruben Amorim is close to a deal with Benficathe most titled team in Portugal. The move is expected to come as Jose Mourinho is close to becoming Real Madrid's new manager.
The Portuguese played for Benfica on several occasions, making 154 appearances for the team.
Rui Costa, the former striker of Benfica and AC Milan, currently sporting director of the team in the Portuguese capital, is still a big fan of the Portuguese technician. The close relationship with him can be the decisive factor that facilitates the move.
He is hoping that a possible arrival of Ruben Amorim will stop Benfica's difficult spell, who have not won the title since 2023. Jose Mourinho has just completed an unbeaten league season at the Lisbon club, but only finished 3rd, outside of the Champions League qualification places.
Ruben Amorim and Rui Costa / photo: abola.pt
The former Manchester United head coach won the championship twice with one of Benfica's biggest rivals, Sporting Lisbon, between 2021 and 2024. In Portugal, he also coached Braga and Casa Pia.
Difficult period at Manchester United
Appointed as head coach in the autumn of 2024, Ruben Amorim was sacked after publicly attacking Manchester United figures following the draw with Leeds in early 2026.
The Portuguese was in charge of the team for only 63 matches, winning 25 and losing 23.
Since his departure, the Premier League side have appointed Michael Carrick as their manager and things have started to pick up, with the team securing a place in the Champions League.
