Ruben Amorim has once again become a major talking point in European football after being spotted back in Portugal just days following his dismissal by Manchester United. The former Sporting CP head coach returned to his home country amid intense scrutiny over what went wrong at Old Trafford and where his next move might take him.
Amorim, 40, was relieved of his duties earlier this month after a deeply disappointing year in charge of the Premier League giants. His sudden return to Portugal has immediately fueled speculation that the Portuguese tactician could soon re-enter management closer to home, where his reputation remains significantly stronger than it currently does in England.
Portuguese broadcaster CNN Portugal shared images of Amorim arriving late on Saturday night, accompanied by his young son. The footage quickly spread across social media, drawing the attention of journalists who gathered at the scene. Despite being approached by reporters, Amorim chose to remain silent, declining to answer questions before stepping into a waiting car.
A Low-Key Return Under the Spotlight
Although Amorim kept a low profile, his presence did not go unnoticed. The sight of the former Manchester United boss back on Portuguese soil was enough to reignite conversations about his future, especially given his past success in the Primeira Liga.
This was not Amorim’s first public appearance since his abrupt exit from Old Trafford. Earlier in the week, he was photographed leaving his residence in Cheshire alongside his wife, Maria João Diogo. Those images, combined with his return to Portugal, have painted the picture of a manager stepping away from the spotlight—at least temporarily—after enduring one of the most challenging periods of his career.
Time to Recover From Old Trafford Pressure
Former Manchester United defender Gary Pallister has weighed in on Amorim’s situation, suggesting that the Portuguese coach needs time to recover from the intense pressure he faced during his short-lived spell in England.
Speaking to Hard Rock Bet, Pallister admitted uncertainty over Amorim’s next destination but stressed that the experience at United may have left lasting marks.
“I don’t know,” Pallister said. “He’s still young, and this might take some time to truly get over. He looked like a manager under unbelievable pressure.”
Pallister believes the emotional and professional toll of managing Manchester United—particularly during a turbulent era—should not be underestimated. For a coach accustomed to stability and success in Portugal, the relentless scrutiny of the Premier League proved a harsh contrast.
Portugal a Logical Next Step
According to Pallister, a return to Portuguese football remains a realistic and attractive option for Amorim.
“I don’t know where Ruben will end up next,” he added. “He could go back to Portugal. I’m sure there are clubs there who would want him after what he achieved with Sporting. He’ll have time to sit down and think things through. There will be scars from this experience—it’s been a tough journey.”
The former United defender also highlighted the lack of patience Amorim received from the moment he arrived at Old Trafford, particularly regarding his tactical approach.
“From day one, he was under scrutiny and never really given much leeway with his system,” Pallister explained. “In Premier League history, maybe only one team has won the title playing a back three—Chelsea under Antonio Conte. That tells you a lot.”
Structural Issues at Manchester United
Pallister did not stop at tactical criticism, instead pointing toward deeper structural problems within Manchester United that made success difficult for any manager.
“If you look at the club now, there aren’t many positives you can point to at Manchester United,” he said. “It’s a very difficult environment.”
Those comments echo the sentiments of many observers who believe Amorim’s failure was not solely down to his methods, but also the broader instability at the club, including recruitment missteps, internal disagreements, and inconsistent long-term planning.
Reports suggest that Amorim’s relationship with sporting director Jason Wilcox deteriorated rapidly, undermining confidence and alignment behind the scenes. That breakdown in trust ultimately played a decisive role in the club’s decision to terminate his contract earlier than planned.
From Portuguese Glory to Premier League Struggles
Before his move to England, Amorim was regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting young coaches. He enjoyed major success with both Braga and Sporting CP, winning three domestic cup trophies and two Primeira Liga titles. His work at Sporting, in particular, earned widespread praise for its tactical clarity, youth development, and winning mentality.
Those achievements were central to Manchester United’s decision to appoint him as Erik ten Hag’s successor. However, Amorim’s time in England quickly unraveled. United recorded their lowest-ever finish in the Premier League era under his guidance, and the club ended the season without silverware after losing to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.
Although there were brief signs of improvement earlier this season, the damage had already been done. Results failed to stabilize, performances remained inconsistent, and internal tensions escalated.
What Comes Next for Amorim?
With his return to Portugal, Ruben Amorim’s immediate future remains unclear. He may choose to take time away from football to reset, or he could soon re-emerge as a candidate for clubs seeking a proven domestic winner.
One thing remains certain: despite his difficult spell at Manchester United, Amorim’s reputation in Portugal is far from tarnished. His tactical ideas, leadership qualities, and past achievements continue to carry significant weight in his home country.
As speculation intensifies, Amorim’s next move will be closely watched. Whether he returns to the Primeira Liga or waits for the right opportunity elsewhere in Europe, his story is far from over—and Portuguese football may yet become the stage for his redemption.
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