Amorim’s Return to Lisbon After Manchester Sacking: Future Prospects Uncertain

Reported by Mail Sport,

Rúben Amorim wasted no time returning home after his unexpected dismissal from Manchester United, being spotted back in Lisbon on Saturday evening. CNN Portugal captured footage of the former head coach, who, while refraining from answering questions, offered a smile as he was probed about his future by a reporter.

Amorim arrived at Humberto Delgado Airport with his young son on a rainy evening in the Portuguese capital, carrying two rucksacks as he made his way to a waiting vehicle. A camera crew was present to capture his arrival, seeking insights into what lies ahead for the former manager.

Meanwhile, Manchester United has yet to appoint a permanent successor to Amorim, with Under-18 coach Michael Fletcher currently overseeing the first team. Fletcher managed the Red Devils for the first time midweek, resulting in a 2-2 draw against relegation-threatened Burnley.

During the encounter at the airport, Amorim appeared unresponsive but maintained a grin when approached by the CNN Portugal reporter. The interviewer first inquired, “Good evening, was your time in Manchester disappointing?” After receiving no reply, she pressed further, asking, “When will you return to work? Do you have any job offers yet? Will we see you return to Portugal for a job?”

Continuing to smile silently, Amorim closed the car door on the reporter and departed the airport with his family. This interaction echoed previous public appearances he has made since being sacked from his position at Old Trafford on Monday, following a reported conflict with sporting director Jason Wilcox.

After the Red Devils’ 1-1 draw against Leeds United, which marked Amorim’s final match, he publicly stated that he saw himself as a “manager, not a coach.” His dismissal reportedly stemmed from a meeting with Wilcox after another draw against bottom-placed Wolverhampton, where it was indicated that his players deserved more trust.

Amorim’s tactical decision to revert to a back three, despite previous success with a back four against Newcastle, had caused ongoing friction, ultimately leading to dissatisfaction from both sides. His comments regarding a perceived lack of autonomy behind the scenes proved to be the tipping point, resulting in his termination the very next day.

While Manchester United’s future remains uncertain post-Amorim, it seems likely that the young head coach will receive another opportunity in management soon. His reputation across Europe is expected to remain largely intact despite his tumultuous spell in the Premier League.

Reports suggest that Amorim is being considered for the Benfica managerial position, particularly if José Mourinho vacates the role to assume the national team duties after the World Cup. While it is likely that Amorim will return to a prominent position in a major European club following a brief hiatus, it remains to be seen whether he will choose to make a return to the Premier League.