Benfica's presidential candidate, João Noronha Lopes, has denied the speculation that he wants to bring Coach Ruben Amorim back to the club if he wins the elections next month.
Noronha Lopes has expressed his admiration for the 40 -year -old Amorim, but insists that Benfica coach Bruno Lage will remain in charge if he becomes president.
“Ruben Amorim? He is a great coach, has a contract with Manchester United,” Noronha Lopes told CMTV as reported by the record.
“He is a Benfica fan. Of course I like.
Noronha Lopes is considered the main candidate to succeed Manu Rui Costa on October 25.
The rumors that Noronha Lopes was looking to attract Amorim to return to Benfica grew when the Portuguese businessman was seen at the Etihad stadium when Manchester United lost 3-0 in the city on Sunday.
“We went to Manchester to see the derby and took the opportunity to hold meetings and prepare for the future of Benfica,” Noronha Lopes told reporters after returning to Portugal.
“I didn't find myself [Manchester City’ Portuguese midfielder] Bernard [Silva] or ruben [Amorim] Before the game.
“Ruben is under contract with Manchester United, and I do not comment on the results of Manchester United.”
His vice president Nuno Gomes was in the game with him on the weekend and said: “One thing I know, Ruben Amorim will be Benfica coach someday.”
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United, under Amorim, finished 15th in the Premier League, his worst end, and lost 1-0 against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final to miss European competitions for the first time since the 2014-15 campaign.
The Red Devils have had the worst start of a season in 33 years after taking only four points in four Premier League games. Amorim, Whooo arrived in Old Trafford in November with a reputation as one of Europe's most promising managers after his successful periods in Braga and Sporting CP, has a contract with United until June 2027.
A youthful product of Benfica, Amorim won three league titles with the club based in Lisbon before retiring from football in 2017 due to a serious knee injury. You still have to train Benfica.
Meanwhile, Noronha Lopes said that Bernardo Silva's return to Benfica will be a priority if he wins the elections.
“It is one of the best midfielders in the world, but it is someone who symbolizes what Benfica fans feel that it is missing,” he said. “He is very dedicated, he has a great passion for Benfica and has a great love for Benfica.
“It will be one of my priorities after being elected president of Benfica. As I said, I have a contract waiting. His contract [with City] runs until the end of the season; It can only be committed from January onwards.
“What I tell you is that I have a very ambitious sports project to present. He said he wanted to win again, not withdraw. There is a sports project of more than 20 pages.”
