Ruben Amorim open to Benfica job after Manchester United exit

Ruben Amorim is positioning himself for a return to management after leaving Manchester United earlier this year, with reports in Portugal suggesting he would be open to taking charge of S.L. Benfica if the opportunity arises.

According to Portuguese reports, the former United boss has made it known within close circles that he would seriously consider a move to Benfica, but only under specific conditions.

The biggest of those is simple: he will not move while José Mourinho remains in place.

That stance reflects Amorim’s desire to avoid becoming part of any internal pressure or managerial instability at one of Portugal’s biggest clubs.

For now, he remains available and waiting.

Amorim has been out of work since his departure from Manchester United in January 2026, following a short and ultimately unsuccessful spell at Old Trafford.

His exit brought an abrupt end to what had been viewed as a major career step after his highly successful time at Sporting CP.

At Sporting, Amorim built one of the most stable projects in Portuguese football, winning six major trophies and ending the club’s 19-year wait for a league title.

That success elevated his reputation across Europe.

His time at United, however, was far less stable.

The club’s wider structural issues and constant pressure made it difficult to recreate the same environment.

Having followed Manchester United’s managerial changes over recent seasons, it has become clear how difficult it remains for coaches to establish long-term control at Old Trafford.

That contrast matters now because Amorim’s next move appears heavily shaped by what he learned there.

The Benfica angle depends entirely on one condition. Amorim has no intention of creating uncertainty around Mourinho’s position. That means any contact would only happen if Benfica officially decide to make a managerial change.

This approach protects relationships and avoids unnecessary public pressure. It also keeps Amorim aligned with his long-term reputation in Portuguese football.

Reports suggest that while Amorim’s priority remains working abroad again, Benfica would represent an exception.

That reflects both emotional ties and professional opportunity. A return to Portugal’s top level, particularly with Benfica, would immediately place him back into elite European competition.

However, much will depend on Benfica’s internal planning over the coming months.

The next phase depends on Benfica’s managerial decision.

If Mourinho stays, Amorim will likely continue exploring projects abroad, particularly clubs with long-term sporting structures already in place. If Benfica decide to make a change, Amorim could quickly become one of the leading options.

For now, his position is clear: available, interested, but unwilling to force the situation.