Ruben Amorim emerges as leading candidate to replace Jose Mourinho at Benfica

Mourinho has been under growing pressure since taking charge of Benfica in September 2025. After three months at the club, he has kept Benfica in the top three of the Primeira Liga and remains unbeaten. However, the team have drawn six of their 17 league matches, leaving them 10 points behind leaders Porto.

Benfica have also struggled in the Champions League. Despite winning their last two matches after four consecutive defeats, they failed to finish in the top 24. Mourinho’s situation worsened after a shock 1-3 league defeat to Braga, after which he publicly criticized his players.

Amid these difficulties, Amorim has emerged as a potential replacement. According to The Daily Mail, the former United manager is in “pole position” to take over at Benfica. Reports also claim that Benfica presidential candidate Joao Noronha Lopes and club legend Nuno Gomes are both keen on appointing Amorim.

Mourinho previously commented on Amorim’s situation following his dismissal from United. Speaking to O Jogo, he said: “What happened with Rúben is something that only Rúben can analyse. I believe he will do it, he and his staff. Whether he will do it with you and make his view public, that I do not know.”

Nuno Gomes has also spoken positively about Amorim in the past. In September, he said: “I am convinced that Ruben Amorim will one day be Benfica's coach. It didn't happen sooner because, after a few meetings, Amorim decided not to accept those conditions while he was at Casa Pia. I was the one who recommended him at the time.”

Amorim left Manchester United after 14 months following reported conflicts with the club’s leadership, led by CEO Omar Berrada and director Jason Wilcox. After his dismissal, United appointed U18 coach Darren Fletcher as interim manager while continuing their search for a permanent replacement.

Despite his short and difficult spell in England, Amorim remains highly regarded in Portugal. Over five seasons, he won six trophies with Sporting Lisbon and Braga, including two Primeira Liga titles, three Portuguese League Cups and one Portuguese Super Cup.