Next month could see a major shake-up for Portuguese side Benfica, with their presidential elections set to take place.
One candidate for the role is Joao Noronha Lopes, who has been strongly linked to wanting Ruben Amorim to take charge at the club, having come through the Benfica academy and playing for the side until retirement.
Lopes, along with his vice-president, Nuno Gomes were recently seen at the Etihad Stadium for the Manchester Derby, only further adding fuel to the fire of Amorim’s potential lifeline back to Portugal.
However, Lopes himself has now spoken out about the rumours of bringing Amorim back to his boyhood club.
Speaking to CMTV, as reported by Portuguese outlet Record, Lopes commented: “[Amorim is] a great coach, but he has a contract with Manchester United.”
He continued: “He is a Benfica fan. Of course, I like him, but I don’t have a contract for Ruben to sign.
“Bruno Lage will be Benfica’s coach, naturally. I will work with him, as he is Benfica’s coach. I will not be a factor in Benfica’s instability.”
Directly addressing his attendance at the Etihad, Lopes continued to say: “We went to Manchester to watch the derby and took the opportunity to hold meetings and prepare for Benfica’s future”.
He continued: “I didn’t meet with Bernardo [Silva] or Ruben before the game. Ruben is under contract with Manchester United and I don’t comment on Manchester United’s results.”
It’s understood that Ruben Amorim, despite these links, still has the backing of the Manchester United hierarchy who believe that there has been an improvement at the club under the Portuguese manager.
However, the club executives are acknowledging that they may need to assess the situation during the October international break if things don’t improve.
