Ruben Amorim: Benfica reach major verdict on ex-United coach
Ruben Amorim: Benfica reach major verdict on ex-United coach Former Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is yet to take up his next assignment since leaving Old Trafford in January. The Portuguese was once considered one of the brightest young managers in Europe, thanks to his remarkable run with Sporting. When Amorim took charge at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in 2020, the Portuguese club was in dire straits, with problems on and off the pitch.
Sporting needed a saviour and they found one in the former Benfica midfielder. Amorim brought stability to the club, moulded the team to fit his 3-4-3 system, and soon transformed their fortunes. Under his guidance, the Lions won the league and the Taca da Liga twice, and also lifted the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira once.
His team’s impressive performances prompted United to come calling. The Red Devils parted ways with Erik ten Hag in October 2024 and appointed the Portuguese as his replacement, hoping he could get them back to the top. Unfortunately, Amorim never lived up to expectations at the Theatre of Dreams.
Amorim’s turbulent United reign Amorim started his Old Trafford tenure with a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town at Portman Road in November 2024, before securing a 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League. United appeared to be on the right track following a 4-0 win over Everton next, but it proved to be a false dawn. The Red Devils managed just six more wins in the Premier League in the remainder of the season, ending the campaign in 15th place.
They had a better run in Europe and reached the final of the Europa League, only to be defeated 1-0 by Tottenham Hotspur. Amorim oversaw a much-needed exodus over the summer and strengthened his attack and goalkeeping departments. The team turned over a new leaf on the pitch, but struggled for consistency, prompting United to sack him and appoint Michael Carrick as his temporary replacement.