Former Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is being linked with a return to the dugout with Sporting’s bitter rivals Benfica, should the Portuguese giants opt to part company with Jose Mourinho. Amorim left United after only 14 months at the beginning of the year. Following the club’s worst-ever Premier League finish last season, the Red Devils were defeated in the Europa League final by Tottenham to miss out on European football altogether

Amorim was dismissed after the 1-1 draw against Leeds United in January and succeeded by Michael Carrick. The former United midfielder has reversed fortunes at Old Trafford, with Champions League football appearing likely to return next season. In recent weeks, Brazilian outfit Vasco da Gama have been linked with appointing Amorim in the future.

However, reports emerging from Portugal have claimed that Benfica have the 41-year-old on their shortlist.

ZeroZero have reported that Amorim is a standout candidate to take charge at the Estadio da Luz. The appointment would prove highly controversial in Portugal to say the least, given the intense rivalry between Sporting and Benfica.

Mourinho is presently at the helm in Lisbon following his return to the club after a 25-year absence earlier this campaign.

Nevertheless, Benfica currently trail Sporting and Porto in the championship race and a managerial switch hasn’t been dismissed.

“If Benfica go to what I consider Plan B… Benfica have to try Ruben Amorim,” journalist Luis Rocha Rodrigues said.

“Looking at the market, looking at logical and valid solutions, someone who knows how to win in Portugal, someone who understands what it means to be at a big club. I think Ruben Amorim is in pole position.”

Amorim devoted a substantial portion of his playing days at Benfica, making 154 appearances for them. He previously took charge in Portugal with Casa Pia and Braga, before establishing himself prominently at Sporting.

At United, a long-term replacement for Amorim remains undecided. Carrick has excelled during his caretaker period but it remains unclear whether the club will hand him the position permanently or seek alternatives.

Luis Enrique is understood to be high on the wishlist following his stint at Paris Saint-Germain. Roberto De Zerbi and Carlo Ancelotti have likewise been mentioned as possible contenders.