Fulham’s search leads to ex-Man United boss as Marco Silva heads to Portugal

Fulham may have unexpectedly emerged as Ruben Amorim’s most realistic route back into management after Benfica effectively moved on from the former Manchester United boss.

The managerial merry-go-round involving Benfica, Fulham and two Portuguese coaches has moved quickly in recent days.

Marco Silva has already been confirmed as leaving Fulham and is expected to be unveiled by Benfica next week. Significantly, the move comes after the Lisbon club spent weeks trying to convince Amorim to take the job.

Benfica president Rui Costa had personally led efforts to bring the former Manchester United manager to the Estádio da Luz. However, Amorim was reluctant, having repeatedly indicated he wanted to remain abroad after leaving Old Trafford.

Now the situation appears to have come full circle.

Fulham turn to Amorim

According to Correio da Manhã, Fulham have identified Ruben Amorim as the man they want to replace Marco Silva.

The report states the London club hope to convince Amorim to accept the same proposal that had originally been presented to Silva before his move to Benfica gathered momentum.

For weeks, Benfica viewed Amorim as their preferred option. Now Marco Silva is the man heading to Lisbon, while Fulham are looking at the coach Benfica could not persuade.

In effect, Benfica’s managerial search has directly influenced Fulham’s.

Manchester United exit still defining Amorim’s future

Amorim has remained out of work since leaving Manchester United in January. Since then, reports from Portugal have repeatedly suggested that he has no desire to rush into another role.

In fact, there has even been talk of a potential sabbatical year, allowing him time to study, develop new ideas and reset after a coaching rise that took him from Braga to Sporting and then Manchester United in quick succession.

Perhaps more importantly, Amorim has consistently been linked with staying abroad rather than returning immediately to Portuguese football.

Fulham may offer exactly what Amorim wanted

Benfica tried emotional arguments. Rui Costa reportedly pointed to Amorim’s lifelong connection to Benfica and his history as a player there. Financial arguments and sporting ambitions were also presented.

Ultimately, though, Benfica moved towards Marco Silva, who is now set to become Mourinho’s successor.

But Fulham can offer something that appears much closer to Amorim’s stated preferences.

The club would allow him to remain in England, rebuild his reputation after Manchester United and work in a significantly less intense environment than Old Trafford.

However, with Fulham actively searching for a Marco Silva replacement, the former Manchester United manager suddenly has an option that seems to fit the plan he has outlined ever since leaving Old Trafford.