Former Man Utd head coach Ruben Amorim could return to Portugal for his next appointment, according to reports.

ESPN claim that the 41-year-old is being lined up to replace Jose Mourinho at Benfica this summer.

There could be a domino effect if Roberto Martinez leaves his position as Portugal manager after the World Cup.

The former Everton boss’s contract expires following the tournament, and there is an expectation that Mourinho will replace him.

That would consequently leave a vacancy at Benfica, which ESPN say Amorim is expected to fill.

Amorim’s move to the Estadio da Luz would be controversial

The Portuguese coach managed Benfica’s rivals Sporting Lisbon for four and a half years before he was appointed by United. He won the league title twice during his tenure.

However, Amorim had also spent nine years at Benfica in his playing days, so it would be seen as a natural fit for him to return to Lisbon after failing at Old Trafford.

During his 14 months with the Red Devils, Amorim had a win ratio of just 31.9%, which was far worse than his immediate predecessor Erik ten Hag (51.8%) and Mourinho himself (53.8%).

What is the latest on Man Utd’s search for a new manager?

Gary Neville says that people inside the club have told him that the board have begun their due diligence on potential targets, but interim boss Michael Carrick has not thrown his hat into the ring yet.

Other sources have confirmed that Carrick is not the current favourite to become the permanent manager, despite a strong start which has seen him win three of his first four games in charge. The club are reportedly looking for an elite tactician who can take the club to the next level.

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