Ruben Amorim has ruled out a return to management in Portugal, with his representatives issuing a statement confirming the former Manchester United boss intends to continue his career abroad.
Amorim's Future Clarified
The 44-year-old Portuguese coach has been out of work since being sacked by Manchester United in January after a turbulent 14-month spell at Old Trafford. He had been linked with replacing Jose Mourinho at Benfica, but his agency, AS1 Sports, has now made his position clear.
In a statement, the agency said: "Ruben Amorim made the decision a long time ago to pursue his career abroad. Therefore, he has not had any meetings with Portuguese clubs to discuss working conditions, structure, squad, salaries, or any other matters; anything said beyond this is mere speculation."
Amorim, who previously managed Sporting CP, Braga, and Casa Pia in Portugal, retains close ties to both Sporting and Benfica. He is a close friend of Benfica president Rui Costa, who was sporting director during Amorim's playing days at the club. However, those connections will not lead to a managerial return.
Benfica Turn to Marco Silva
With Amorim out of the running, reports now claim that Fulham boss Marco Silva is set to take over at Benfica, with an 'agreement in principle' already in place. Silva, who has been at Craven Cottage since 2021, is believed to have prioritised a return to his home country over extending his stay in the Premier League.
When asked about his future, Silva admitted he has never closed the door on a new challenge. "The Premier League is a league that fulfils me, but I've also never closed any doors to anything," he said. "Regardless of controlling all the decisions I might make regarding it, the future is open."
Silva has previously coached Sporting, Estoril, Olympiacos, Hull City, Watford, Everton, and Fulham. His potential move to Benfica would mark a return to his native Lisbon.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have improved markedly under caretaker manager Michael Carrick, who is now expected to be appointed head coach on a permanent basis.
