“Pole position”: Ruben Amorim lined up for explosive return as manager of European heavyweight – report

The dust is still settling at Old Trafford after INEOS’s bombshell decision to axe Ruben Amorim – but the Portuguese coach may not be out of the game long, according to a new report. The End of a Dismal Era Manchester United confirmed Amorim‘s dismissal on Monday morning after a fiery interview 24 hours later at Elland Road. Following the 1-1 draw with Leeds United, the 40-year-old delivered a series of stinging accusations at United’s executive branch, telling them to “do their jobs” so he could do his – with sporting director Jason Wilcox in his cross hairs. Amorim made repeated references to his role being as “manager, not coach” in a clear indication of anger at his lack of influence over the club. These bombastic words did not seal his fate, however. Rather, it was a furious meeting with Wilcox on Friday over the tactician’s 3-4-2-1 system – and the need for adaptation – which triggered INEOS’s decision, a move fully supported by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Amorim rejected the imposition by the director, telling Wilcox the squad needed “changing” and threatening to call his agent to leave. It was a shocking response – and, three days later, he got his wish. The former Sporting CP manager, who enjoyed incredible success in Lisbon, leaves Manchester with a win record of 38.1%, having overseen United’s worst campaign in the Premier League era, and lost a Europa League final to a team who had never won a European trophy before. Ruben Amorim Managerial Stats TeamFromToGames PlayedGames WonGames DrawnGames 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 Amorim’s time at the Theatre of Dreams will be remembered as a slow-motion nightmare, with INEOS on razor thin ice with the Red Devils fanbase after yet another horrendous decision has backfired in the club’s face. But, interestingly, the reputation of the Portuguese coach – or manager, as he may prefer – remains intact in his homeland. And it’s a return to Lisbon which may be next on the agenda – but not with Sporting. Pole Position Earlier in the season, Amorim was linked with a shock switch to SL Benfica, Sporting’s local rivals. Despite his reputation as a coach being forged on the green and white side of Lisbon, his playing career was largely spent with Benfica, where he made 154 appearances for the Eagles. He is a rare figure in the Portuguese capital who is viewed favourably on both sides of the football divide. The then-United coach laughed off reports, led by Benfica presidential candidate Joao Noronha Lopes, a close friend of Amorim. Lopes then led a delegation to Manchester, promising supporters he would appoint Amorim if he won the election. Ultimately, Rui Costa – Benfica’s sitting president – remained in power, consolidating his position by sacking Bruno Lage and replacing him with Jose Mourinho, another Portuguese coach who faced the axe at Old Trafford. However, Benfica’s form is a cause for concern, with Mourinho’s side 10 points behind Porto in the league and precariously placed in the Champions League, having lost four of the opening six matches. The two rivals face each other in the Taca de Portugal next week in a pivotal clash for the ‘Special One’. The Daily Mail describes Mourinho as looking “increasingly vulnerable” and reveals Amorim could be in “pole position” to take over at the Estádio da Luz, less than two miles from Sporting’s stadium, if Benfica executives decide to make a change in the dug out. It would mark an explosive return to management for the 40-year-old tactician – but he has proven an explosive figure across both his coaching and playing career, as Wilcox found out in no uncertain terms on Friday. Featured image Matt McNulty 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 Darragh Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.