Ruben Amorim, the former Manchester United manager, has no immediate plans to return to football management despite being linked with high-profile roles at Benfica and Juventus, according to recent reports. Amorim has been out of work since his departure from Old Trafford in January, following a tenure that lasted just over a year.
Amorim's Manchester United Tenure and Departure
During his time at Manchester United, Amorim oversaw 63 matches, achieving 25 victories, 15 draws, and suffering 23 defeats. His exit came after a 1-1 draw with Leeds United, and he received a substantial £12 million settlement due to his contract originally running until 2027. This payoff has allowed him financial flexibility as he considers his next career steps.
Speculation Surrounding Potential Roles
Speculation has been rife about Amorim's future, with The Sun reporting that he is being considered as a potential successor to Jose Mourinho at Benfica, should Mourinho leave the club. Additionally, both Amorim and Mourinho are anticipated to be candidates for the Portugal national team position once Roberto Martinez's contract expires after the upcoming World Cup.
In a further twist, Juventus approached Amorim's representative in January regarding a possible move to the Italian club. However, it appears that Luciano Spalletti is set to sign a new deal with Juventus, potentially closing that avenue for now.
Amorim's Current Focus and Activities
Amorim is said to be enjoying his break from the pressures of management, having spent the Easter period in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Reports indicate that an immediate return to football is not high on his agenda, as he relishes this time away from the sport.
Recently, Amorim was spotted playing padel with Hugo Viana, the director of football at Manchester City. The pair were former teammates at both Braga and Sporting CP and remain close friends, highlighting Amorim's continued connections within the football world.
Manchester United's Managerial Situation
Meanwhile, Manchester United are actively formulating their strategy for next season's leadership. Michael Carrick, who replaced Amorim on a caretaker basis, has recorded seven wins and two draws from his 10 fixtures, leading the team to rise to third place in the Premier League table. This position puts United in pole position to compete in the Champions League next season, and there have been calls for Carrick to secure the role permanently.
Other Candidates Linked with United
United have also been associated with several other managerial candidates, including Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola, Gareth Southgate, and Robert De Zerbi. However, De Zerbi has since joined Tottenham Hotspur on a permanent basis, narrowing the field.
Julian Nagelsmann has also been connected with the United position, though he will be guiding the German national squad in this summer's World Cup, which may impact his availability.
As the football world watches closely, Amorim's future remains uncertain, but for now, he appears content to take a step back from the managerial spotlight.
