Benfica could provide Ruben Amorim with a lifeline from his Manchester United woes. The Portuguese heavyweights have been closely monitoring Amorim’s difficult situation at Old Trafford. Joao Noronha Lopes, the frontrunner to become Benfica’s next president, even made a trip to Manchester on the weekend to watch the Red Devils lose the derby at the Etihad Stadium.
Lopes has openly expressed his intentions to bring Amorim back to Benfica if he manages to defeat Rui Costa in the upcoming elections, and currently, he is leading in the polls. Lopes was present at the Etihad to see United’s 3-0 defeat to City. He was spotted with his vice-president Nuno Gomes, one of Amorim’s closest friends who played with him for both Benfica and Portugal, and general director Pedro Ferreira.
This sighting occurred just a day after Gomes told the Portuguese press that it is Amorim’s fate to return to Estadio da Luz, where he was part of the club’s academy and spent nine years as a player.
When asked if their friendship would pave the way for Amorim, a lifelong Benfica supporter, to take over if Lopes wins the election, Gomes responded: “Ruben Amorim is the coach of Manchester United, I can’t answer that question.”
However, he added: “One thing I know, Ruben Amorim will be the coach of Benfica one day.”
Gomes also praised Lopes, saying: “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.”
Bruno Lage, the current manager of Benfica, is not anticipated to stay on when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The ex-Wolves boss could depart even earlier if Lopes triumphs over Costa and former president Luis Filipe Vieira in the elections on 25 October.
The Lisbon tycoon has also expressed his desire to bring City star Bernardo Silva back to Benfica.
Despite the club’s worst start to a season in over three decades, United maintain that Amorim still has their support.
However, Amorim further questioned his future by declaring he would prefer to be sacked than alter his team formation and footballing philosophies.
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