Ruben Amorim’s time at Manchester United has quickly unravelled into a story of stubborn tactics and disappointing results.
The 40-year-old has clung to his 3-4-3 system despite evidence it does not suit his squad, and with just seven wins from 29 league matches, patience is running thin.
Wednesday’s shock Carabao Cup exit to League Two Grimsby summed up the scale of the crisis, exposing once again the lack of coherent attacking patterns.
It was only Kobbie Mainoo’s individual brilliance from the double pivot that sparked United’s goal for Bryan Mbeumo – rather than anything drawn from Amorim’s system – in what became one of the most embarrassing nights in the club’s modern history.
Fans are growing more and more impatient with Amorim, with the hierarchy set for ‘showdown talks’ to discuss next steps.
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Now his uncertain future has taken a fresh twist, with The Times reporting that Amorim could be offered a lifeline back in Portugal.
Benfica, one of his former clubs, may look to bring him back if Joao Noronha Lopes is successful in his presidential bid this October.
At present the former Wolves manager Bruno Lage is in charge of Benfica, who finished two points behind winners Sporting in last season’s title race.
Although Amorim twice won the league with Sporting as manager, he also enjoyed a decorated playing career at Benfica, lifting three league titles as a midfielder at the Estádio da Luz.
Lopes, who has recruited Amorim’s close friend Nuno Gomes to support his campaign, is understood to be a strong admirer of the current United boss.
During a recent debate, Lopes stayed cautious when asked directly about Amorim, insisting he would not “destabilise Benfica” before a crucial fixture, but the links remain strong.
“He’s an excellent coach, under contract with Manchester United.
“I won’t destabilise Benfica. They have a very important match ahead of them,” via The Times’ report.
For Amorim, who has admitted that “something has to change” after the Grimsby loss, the prospect of a return to familiar ground could prove a timely escape from the mounting pressure at Old Trafford.
