Ruben Amorim could be offered an escape from his Manchester United nightmare after the leading candidate to become Benfica’s next president turned up at the Etihad to watch Sunday’s derby debacle.
Joao Noronha Lopes has made no secret of his plans to take Amorim back to Benfica if he usurps Rui Costa in next month’s elections, and is currently ahead in the polls.
Lopes was at the Etihad to witness United’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday when he was pictured with his vice-president Nuno Gomes – one of Amorim’s best friends who played alongside him for Benfica and Portugal – and general director Pedro Ferreira.
It came 24 hours after Gomes told Portuguese media that it is Amorim’s destiny to return to the Estadio da Luz where he was a member of the club’s academy and spent nine years as a player.
Gomes was asked if their friendship would open the door to Amorim, a boyhood Benfica fan, taking over if Lopes wins the election.
He replied: ‘Ruben Amorim is the coach of Manchester United, I can't answer that question. One thing I know, Ruben Amorim will be the coach of Benfica one day.
‘Joao has already shown in recent years that he is capable of changing Benfica, to make it greater and different from what it has been in recent years.’
Current Benfica coach Bruno Lage is unlikely to stay beyond his contract which runs out at the end of the season. The former Wolves boss could go even sooner if Lopes beats Costa and former president Luis Filipe Vieira in the elections on October 25.
The Lisbon millionaire has also stated his ambition to re-sign City star Bernardo Silva for Benfica.
United sources insisted on Monday that Amorim still has their backing despite the club’s worst start to a season in 33 years.
However, the former Sporting Lisbon coach cast further doubt over his future after the game by saying he would rather be sacked than change his 3-4-2-1 system.
‘I am not going to change,’ he said. ‘When I want to change my philosophy, I will change. If not, you have to change the man.
‘Until I am here, I will do my best. The rest is not my decision.’
wutbceikmr
1
Sack Amorin and give him his well deserved compensation money.
vybzkartelgaza
0
Conte is the only person that may bring back glory days
yobbciklnp
1
I am happy with ruben,,,
MwenePuta
0
You take him even now, please...
jiyaenpruy
0
Get back Jose Mourinho, give him power and freedom. Also sack man U sports direction and all their scouts and man U will be fine
I agree
Carlitosway
0
Get back Jose Mourinho, give him power and freedom. Also sack man U sports direction and all their scouts and man U will be fine
Mopbkopsuy
0
just take him out, aaaaaa bring PSG coach simple
hescikmrz
0
Amorim should go right away now he is useless this not Portuguese league this is epl he has failed
lioabciors
0
Amorim, is a nightmare him self
Jeclprsz
0
These fans led by former players live in the past and think changing managers will somehow get the club to hit the jackpot some day. It's simple, give the manager the players he needs. Pep came to City and changed a bought new players while selling the ones who had won the league. From goalkeeper to everyone yet at United we still have Luke Shaw who has seen many coaches come and go while season in and out he has been mediocre or out injured. Amorim needs time and time doesn't mean winning every week. You might need to settle for a top 8 finish and be happy about it if you look at the facts and not run with emotions.
which chances are you guys talking about when the striker is not fed
Wuoakorz
0
man united sack him now please before too late
Vowdelmptu
0
glory glory
widabdelpy
0
I honestly don’t know what’s wrong with United. A curse, buying low-quality players, bad and uninspiring managers, or poor club management. But one thing can be said with certainty: since Ferguson left, United hasn’t been able to adapt to the new conditions of the league and still seems to be living in Ferguson’s golden era.
liheiknstu
3
Manchester united board is making mysterious decisions. The time Pep and Morihno were both available they chose Mourihno and left Gardiola. When Conte was available and looking for that job they chose Ten Haag In 2weeks ago Donnaruma was available they decided this young bench warmer who I didn't heard about him in football. The nightmare is far from over.
Wazcmorsy
0
Amorin is good enough, he want defenders to be strikers
Possible inter and psg can play total football and reach UCL finals. It’s all understanding about tactics
Emmaveli29
0
These fans led by former players live in the past and think changing managers will somehow get the club to hit the jackpot some day. It's simple, give the manager the players he needs. Pep came to City and changed a bought new players while selling the ones who had won the league. From goalkeeper to everyone yet at United we still have Luke Shaw who has seen many coaches come and go while season in and out he has been mediocre or out injured. Amorim needs time and time doesn't mean winning every week. You might need to settle for a top 8 finish and be happy about it if you look at the facts and not run with emotions.
I strongly believe in Amorim and his system, the players need to start taking their chances, we having a lot chances but the players are wasteful of those chances, which the coach is not to be blamed for
IbnMubarik
2
Amorim is not going anywhere. He is the best coach Man Utd can have. He is doing very well and will lead the team to win the Premier League.
Tiscnostuz
0
Please can you release this man on mutual understanding let it happen spontaneously we know he can't shake things up otherwise it will be another shambolic season.
Ludaemnsz
1
SACK COACH AMORIM WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT AND BRING IN SANTOS THE FORMAL FOREST COACH
cibekmopy
0
Amorin is good enough, he want defenders to be strikers
can that really happen 😅😂😅😅
pabbdosty
2
We want Nuno
Yesadmnopr
0
another lucky coach again after Ten hag
Davichi
2
You can have him but the question is, when will United be able to get the right manager for the job? This has been the first problem they've not been able to solve since SAF left. City needed Pep to get it right. Liverpool tried for long before getting Klopp. Arsenal since Wenger seems to have found their man in Arteta. How much longer will it take United?
Davichi
0
These fans led by former players live in the past and think changing managers will somehow get the club to hit the jackpot some day. It's simple, give the manager the players he needs. Pep came to City and changed a bought new players while selling the ones who had won the league. From goalkeeper to everyone yet at United we still have Luke Shaw who has seen many coaches come and go while season in and out he has been mediocre or out injured. Amorim needs time and time doesn't mean winning every week. You might need to settle for a top 8 finish and be happy about it if you look at the facts and not run with emotions.
It's starts from getting the right coach before stending to get players. Don't forget how long it took before Liverpool got Klopp and how many coaches they got before him. Same with Arsenal. With the style of play Amorim has brought, it's hard to say he's the right man for the job and United hierarchy should have known this before bringing him.
vowcdnrsuy
0
Amorin is good enough, he want defenders to be strikers
Niccdortu
3
These fans led by former players live in the past and think changing managers will somehow get the club to hit the jackpot some day. It's simple, give the manager the players he needs. Pep came to City and changed a bought new players while selling the ones who had won the league. From goalkeeper to everyone yet at United we still have Luke Shaw who has seen many coaches come and go while season in and out he has been mediocre or out injured. Amorim needs time and time doesn't mean winning every week. You might need to settle for a top 8 finish and be happy about it if you look at the facts and not run with emotions.
paubdeklt
1
Please take him back to Portugal.......!!!!
LibraLeo
0
I see united progress from 15 position last term to 12 position this term
Arabmoney7
0
Politics at its best