Ruben Amorim closing in top European job just four months after Man United sack

Ruben Amorim is set to replace Jose Mourinho as Benfica manager.

It would be his first managerial role since he was sacked by Manchester United in January.

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Mourinho is closing in on a return to Real Madrid this summer and has agreed a two-year contract.

His exit from Benfica could open the door for Amorim’s appointment, talkSPORT understands.

The former United boss is admired by club president Rui Costa despite his struggles at Old Trafford.

Amorim played for Benfica during Costa’s time as sporting director before moving into management.

Fulham boss Marco Silva had previously emerged as a candidate to succeed Mourinho.

The Portuguese is out of contract at Craven Cottage at the end of the season.

However, the Cottagers are growing increasingly confident Silva will sign a new deal, talkSPORT understands.

Amorim at Benfica

Amorim spent nine years with Benfica as a player after joining the club in 2008.

The former midfielder went on to make 154 appearances, scoring six goals and adding 14 assists.

He also won 11 trophies during his time at Benfica, including three league titles.

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Amorim ultimately ended his career with the club, retiring in 2017 aged 32.

The 41-year-old quickly turned to coaching with spells as manager of Casa Pia and Braga in his native Portugal.

However, he later took charge of Benfica’s bitter city rivals Sporting Lisbon in 2020.

Across four years as Sporting boss, Amorim won two league titles.

United woes

His results with the club would earn a move to United in November 2024.

Although he reached the Europa League final last season, he was unable to prevent the club from recording a 15th place finish.

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It represented the Red Devils’ lowest-ever Premier League finish as well as their lowest top-flight points tally for 51 years.

Following their failure to qualify for Europe, United were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Grimsby Town in August.

Amorim was subsequently sacked in January before being replaced by Michael Carrick until the end of the season.

Carrick has since secured Champions League qualification and is set to be appointed on a permanent basis.