Ruben Amorim in line for immediate return to management days after Manchester United sacking

Ruben Amorim could be set to return to the dugout – and Jose Mourinho holds the key, talkSPORT understands.

The 40-year-old was sacked by Manchester United on Monday – less than 24 hours after his shock attack on the board following the 1-1 draw at Leeds.

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It brought an end to his 14-month stint at Old Trafford following his switch from Sporting Lisbon.

And he could now be set to return to the Primeira Liga… at Sporting’s bitter rivals Benfica.

talkSPORT understands that Amorim is a strong contender to potentially replace Mourinho at the Estadio da Luz.

Mourinho penned a two-year deal at Benfica in mid-September – returning to Portugal 21 years after swapping Porto for Chelsea.

However, his future at the club is already in question – despite winning 14 of his 22 matches in charge across all competitions.

The Special One has a break clause in his contract this summer.

That is because he could be in line to become Portugal’s national team manager after the 2026 World Cup to replace Roberto Martinez.

Mor drama

And this could lead to a sensational return to the club for Amorim – nine years after departing Benfica.

Amorim was on Benfica’s books from between 2008-2017 – chipping in with six goals and 14 assists in 154 outings.

He helped the Eagles win three Primeira Liga titles, one Taca de Portugal cup, three Taca de Liga’s and one Portuguese Super Cup.

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AFP

talkSPORT reported in September how Amorim was on Benfica’s radar as a potential replacement for Bruno Lage.

Joao Noronha Lopes, who at the time was a candidate to become Benfica’s next president, was even present to watch United’s defeat to rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

And speaking to Portuguese media after the match, Lopes declared that Amorim will be back at the club in the future.

He said: “Ruben Amorim is the coach of Manchester United, I can’t answer that question.

“One thing I know, Ruben Amorim will be the coach of Benfica one day.

“Joao has already shown in recent years that he is capable of changing Benfica, to make it greater and different from what it has been in recent years.”

In the end, Amorim would last a further four months at the Theatre of Dreams.

He left with the worst win percentage [36.92] of all six permanent United managers in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.