Ex-United coach clarifies future with major statement, denies talks with European giants

Ruben Amorim’s future has been subject to speculation since leaving Manchester United at the turn of the year. The Portuguese head coach endured a difficult 14-month tenure at Old Trafford that ended in disappointment in January this year. Amorim took charge of the Red Devils as former manager Erik ten Hag’s replacement in November 2024, fresh from transforming Sporting’s fortunes. In his four years at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, his team won the league twice, among other trophies. Unfortunately, his time at the Theatre of Dreams was not so rosy. The Portuguese struggled to get his ideas across after taking charge mid-season, and the English giants ended up finishing 15th in the Premier League last season. The 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final did him no favours either, although United backed him over the summer, investing over £200 million in the squad. Unfortunately, results failed to improve this season, and the Red Devils finally opted for a change in management after the 1-1 draw against Leeds United at the beginning of January. Ruben Amorim Managerial Stats TeamFromToGames PlayedGames WonGames Drawn Games LostWin % Casa Pia1 July 20187 January 2019430175.00 Braga B16 September 201923 December 20191182172.73 Braga23 December 20194 March 202013101276.92 Sporting CP4 March 202010 November 2024231164343371.00 Manchester United11 November 20245 January 20266324182138.10 Career total——322209555864.91 Source: Wikipedia. United’s post-Amorim rise Amorim’s departure appeared to have taken the shackles off the United team, who have looked a completely different unit under caretaker manager Michael Carrick. The Englishman took charge at Old Trafford in mid-January and recent reports suggest that he is set to get the full-time position following an impressive run. The Red Devils kick-started Carrick’s tenure with a four-game winning run against Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur. They have since registered 11 wins in the Englishman’s 16 games in charge, losing just twice. United’s recent rise has seen them secure third place in the Premier League table, which was once inconceivable under Amorim. They have subsequently secured Champions League football for next season. Amorim, meanwhile, is yet to take up his next assignment but has been linked with several jobs in Portugal. A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that Benfica are eager to appoint him as outgoing manager Jose Mourinho’s replacement. An update on the former Sporting manager’s future has now emerged that is likely to put an end to any speculation regarding his future. Amorim wants to pursue a career abroad Amorim’s agency AS1 have shared a statement via Portuguese outlet Record, rubbishing all recent reports linking him to jobs in the country. The statement insists that the former United head coach will pursue his coaching career abroad. The statement read: “In light of the latest reports regarding Ruben Amorim’s future, particularly the report broadcast this Wednesday by SIC on “Jornal da Noite”, it is important to clarify the following: Ruben Amorim decided some time ago to pursue his career abroad.” “For this very reason, he has not held any meetings with Portuguese clubs to discuss working conditions, structure, squad, salaries or any other matters. Anything said beyond this is mere speculation and bears no relation to reality.” Final Thoughts While Amorim could not live up to expectations, there were some positives from his tenure at Old Trafford. However, all signs now indicate that United made the correct decision in letting him go. A AS1 Sports, empresa que representa Ruben Amorim, confirmou, numa nota oficial, a notícia que A BOLA tinha avançado em primeira mão a 25 de abril: o antigo treinador do Manchester United não tem intenção de voltar a Portugal e quer continuar a trabalhar no estrangeiro. ✈️ pic.twitter.com/kJbdImmlMp — A BOLA (@abolapt) May 21, 2026 Feature image Ben Roberts Photo via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.