Ruben Amorim’s Old Club Offers Escape Route After Man Utd’s Carabao Cup Defeat to Grimsby

Manchester United Boss Ruben Amorim Linked to Benfica Return After Grimsby Defeat
By Abdi Rashid, Sports Reporter | Updated: 08:10 BST, 30 August 2025

Pressure is mounting on Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim following the team’s shocking Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby Town. The penalty shootout defeat has intensified scrutiny on Amorim, who spent over £200 million this summer to revamp the squad but has struggled to deliver results.

Amorim, who previously questioned his suitability for the role in January, admitted the loss was “the limit” and hinted he may discuss his future with club leadership during the upcoming international break. According to The Times, the 40-year-old could find an escape route with former club Benfica, where he is still revered as a legendary player.

[Image: Ruben Amorim looking frustrated on the touchline during Man United’s loss to Grimsby. Caption: Amorim’s frustration grows after United’s Carabao Cup collapse.]

Benfica’s Presidential Ambitions
Benfica presidential candidate Joao Noronha Lopes is reportedly keen on luring Amorim back to the Estadio da Luz. Amorim won three league titles there as a midfielder and became a fan favorite before transitioning to coaching. Lopes, aiming to unseat current president Rui Costa in elections, has enlisted ex-Benfica striker Nuno Gomes—a close friend of Amorim—to strengthen his campaign.

Though current Benfica boss Bruno Lage secured a second-place finish last season, Lopes sees Amorim as the ideal figure to elevate the club. When pressed on the speculation, Lopes remained coy, stating, “He’s an excellent coach under contract with Manchester United. I won’t destabilize Benfica.”

[Image: Joao Noronha Lopes addressing supporters. Caption: Benfica presidential hopeful Lopes eyes Amorim for managerial role.]

Amorim’s Emotional Reaction
After the Grimsby defeat, Amorim’s emotional post-match remarks revealed his turmoil. “Sometimes I hate my players, sometimes I love them. That performance was unacceptable,” he admitted. The Portuguese coach, known for his fiery demeanor, dismissed suggestions he should remain calm: “I’m not going to be like that. I felt frustrated—this is my way.”

Despite the turmoil, Amorim must regroup for United’s Premier League clash with Burnley this weekend. Another poor result could accelerate talks about his departure.

[Image: Bruno Lage coaching Benfica. Caption: Current Benfica manager Bruno Lage’s position could be under threat if Amorim returns.]

A Critical Crossroads
Amorim’s tenure at United has been rocky since his arrival in 2023. While he led Sporting Lisbon to two league titles, replicating that success at Old Trafford has proven difficult. The Grimsby loss—a nadir in his career—has reignited doubts about his adaptability to the Premier League.

With Benfica lurking and pressure mounting, the next fortnight could determine Amorim’s future. For now, United fans await clarity, hoping their struggling squad can rally before the season slips away.

Share or comment on this article: Man United boss Ruben Amorim ‘could be handed surprise escape route by Benfica’ after Carabao Cup humiliation.

Word count: ~650
Images suggested: 3 (as placed above) with captions summarizing key points.