João Noronha Lopes, the leading candidate in Benfica’s upcoming presidential election, was in Manchester over the weekend to witness United’s heavy 3-0 defeat in the derby at the Etihad Stadium. ..Continue Reading
Lopes has made no secret of his desire to bring Amorim back to Benfica should he succeed in unseating Rui Costa, and current polling suggests he’s on track to do so.
During the match, Lopes was seen alongside vice-presidential hopeful Nuno Gomes—Amorim’s longtime friend and former teammate at both Benfica and with the national team—as well as general director Pedro Ferreira.
Their appearance came just a day after Gomes told Portuguese media that Amorim is destined to return to Estádio da Luz, the club where he spent nearly a decade as a player and came through the youth ranks.
When asked if their friendship would pave the way for Amorim, a lifelong Benfica fan, to take over if Lopes wins the election, Gomes said: “Ruben Amorim is the coach of Manchester United, I can’t answer that question.”
But, he added: “One thing I know, Ruben Amorim will be the coach of Benfica one day.”
Gomes also praised Lopes, saying: “Joao has already shown in recent years that he is capable of changing Benfica, to make it greater and different from what it has been in recent years.”
Bruno Lage, the current manager of Benfica, is not anticipated to stay when his contract expires at the end of the campaign.
The ex-Wolves manager could depart even earlier if Lopes triumphs over Costa and former president Luis Filipe Vieira in the elections on 25 October.
The Lisbon tycoon has also expressed his desire to bring Manchester City player Bernardo Silva back to Benfica.
Despite the club’s worst start to a season in over three decades, Man United maintain that Amorim still has their support.
However, Amorim questioned his future by declaring he would prefer to be sacked than change his team formation and footballing philosophies.
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