Personal attempt to secure Ruben Amorim for first role since Manchester United

Ruben Amorim, for his first role since Manchester United, and Fulham are both being pulled into an increasingly tense situation at Benfica. Pressure around the club’s next manager is building rapidly after a disastrous season.

At the centre of it all are Ruben Amorim and Marco Silva.

Only a few days ago, Benfica’s interest in Amorim still felt speculative. The former Manchester United manager had kept a low profile since leaving Old Trafford in January, rejected approaches, and even started shaping plans for a possible sabbatical year after the intensity of recent seasons.

Marco Silva, meanwhile, was viewed as a serious alternative inside Benfica. Recently we covered pretty much all that has been said in Portugal about his situation. But fresh news from the local press shows the picture is becoming clearer.

Rui Costa pushing hard for Amorim first

According to Correio da Manhã, Benfica president Rui Costa has personally taken over negotiations. He is trying to convince Ruben Amorim to replace José Mourinho.

The report claims Amorim has already rejected an initial approach from Benfica. Even so, Rui Costa is refusing to walk away.

Instead, Benfica’s president has launched what is described as a final push, trying to convince Amorim emotionally as much as financially. 

Rui Costa reportedly believes Amorim’s lifelong connection to Benfica (he came through the club's academy system and made 157 appearances for the club between 2008 and 2017) is significant. Moreover, his leadership profile and communication skills make him the ideal figure to rebuild unity around the club. 

Now that the mood around Rui Costa has become increasingly hostile, Amorim is viewed internally as the appointment most capable of calming supporters.

Fulham and Marco Silva waiting in background

At the same time, Fulham manager Marco Silva remains heavily involved in Benfica’s thinking.

Correio da Manhã explain that Benfica will only move fully towards Marco Silva if every attempt to land Amorim fails first. In other words, the former Manchester United boss is clearly the priority.

Marco Silva’s contract with Fulham is approaching its end. But Benfica would not be able to formalise any move before May 24, the date of Fulham’s final Premier League match of the season.

That creates an awkward overlap. Benfica are trying to accelerate discussions around Amorim while also keeping Marco Silva as a live option in the background.

Mourinho exit expected to accelerate everything

The expectation in Portugal is that events will move quickly now.

José Mourinho’s move to Real Madrid increasingly looks inevitable, despite Rui Costa having recently tried to renew his contract. Once Mourinho’s departure becomes official, Benfica will come under immediate pressure to present a successor.

That is why Rui Costa is pushing so hard now. And it leaves Manchester United and Fulham sitting right in the middle of one of Portugal’s biggest managerial stories heading into the summer.