Ruben Amorim could quickly find a new club in his homeland, as he has emerged as a top candidate to replace Jose Mourinho at Benfica, according to reports from Sportmail and Sun Sports.

Coach Ruben Amorim and his wife Maria Joao Diogo walking in Cheshire, UK, on the afternoon of 5/1/2026. Photo: Manchester Evening News.

The Portuguese coach had previously denied taking charge of Benfica in September, even though presidential candidate Joao Noronha Lopes publicly expressed his desire to bring him to Estadio da Luz. Lopes even attended one Manchester United match at Old Trafford to demonstrate his interest, but ultimately lost the presidential race to club legend Rui Costa.

Amorim lost his job on 5/1 after 14 months leading Manchester United. Under the Portuguese coach, the Manchester team played 63 matches, recording 21 losses, 18 draws, and 25 wins, achieving a win rate of 38,1%. They scored 122 goals and conceded 114.

Rumors of Amorim's potential return to Portugal are circulating amidst Jose Mourinho's severely shaky position at Benfica. The club recently lost 1-3 to Braga in the League Cup semi-final, is 10 points behind league leaders Porto in the national championship, and currently ranks 25th in the Champions League. Local media reports indicate Mourinho's position is increasingly vulnerable, especially given Benfica's past interest in Amorim.

Coach Jose Mourinho directs the match where Benfica lost 1-3 to Braga in the Portuguese League Cup semi-final on 7/1. Photo: Abola.

After the 1-3 loss to Braga on 7/1, Mourinho publicly criticized his players for an inexplicable and unacceptable performance. The 62-year-old coach demanded the entire squad remain at the Seixal training center for several days to reflect, expressing hope that the players would not be able to sleep due to anger and disappointment.

Tensions escalated when a group of fans displayed protest banners at Estadio da Luz with a sarcastic message for the management: "After the hotel, build a brothel too. Forget titles, all we see is concrete," implying that the management is prioritizing commercial projects over professional achievements.

This message appeared just one day after President Rui Costa inaugurated the 1904 Benfica Hotel in central Lisbon, the club's historic headquarters. Another banner at the stadium also referenced the Benfica District project, further fueling controversy over the team's development direction.

From a professional standpoint, Mourinho has led Benfica since September, but has not significantly improved team cohesion and performance. Mourinho has managed 23 matches, with 4 losses, 5 draws, and 14 wins, achieving a win rate of 60,87%. The next match against Porto in the National Cup quarter-final on 14/1 could determine Benfica's trophy ambitions this season.

By Hong Duy (Source: The Sun, Abola, ESPN)