Ruben Amorim Insists Man Utd Are ‘My Only Club’ as He Reacts to Jose Mourinho’s Appointment at Benfica

Amorim Stands Firm: “Manchester United Is My Only Club”

In the world of football, few comments carry as much weight as when a manager, under pressure, publicly reaffirms his loyalty. That’s exactly what Ruben Amorim did when quizzed about Jose Mourinho’s return to Benfica. Despite ongoing speculation linking him with a possible homecoming to Portugal, Amorim made it absolutely clear: Manchester United are “my only club.”

It was a line delivered with conviction, the kind managers use not just to reassure fans but to remind their players—and perhaps even themselves—that the focus remains firmly in one place. Amorim’s declaration came at a pivotal moment, right as Mourinho’s headline-grabbing comeback was dominating Portuguese football.

Jose Mourinho Returns to Benfica After 21 Years

For Mourinho, it was a return steeped in nostalgia. The 61-year-old tactician, who famously launched his managerial career at Benfica in 2000 before leaving after just nine games, signed a two-year deal to take charge again. His arrival comes just weeks after being dismissed by Fenerbahce at the start of the 2025-26 campaign—a swift reminder that in football, opportunities can arise almost overnight.

Benfica wasted no time in rolling out the red carpet. Their message was clear: Mourinho is back, and this time, he’s here to restore the club’s aura both domestically and in Europe. His debut was nothing short of emphatic—a 3-0 win over AVS that immediately silenced any doubts about whether he still had the magic touch.

Amorim’s Reaction: Praise and Perspective

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When asked about Mourinho’s new chapter, Amorim didn’t hesitate to show his admiration. “He’s the best Portuguese manager, and that won’t change,” he said, speaking with the kind of respect that reveals just how deep Mourinho’s shadow looms over Portugal’s coaching fraternity.

Amorim continued: “He opened all the doors for us. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Jose Mourinho. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun for you in Portugal, and we’re going to enjoy it. But that’s the way it is, and we’ll be here, watching to see what happens, but focused only on Manchester, and that will be my only club.”

It was both tribute and boundary. Amorim lauded Mourinho’s achievements while simultaneously reminding everyone—media, fans, and perhaps even the Manchester United board—that his eyes remain on Old Trafford, not on Lisbon.

Why Mourinho Still Matters in Portuguese Football

The reaction to Mourinho’s appointment speaks volumes about his enduring legacy. More than two decades after leaving Benfica, he returns not just as a coach but as a symbol. His journey—Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Spurs, Roma, Fenerbahce—has defined modern football.

In Portugal, Mourinho is more than a manager. He’s a pioneer. He shattered ceilings for Portuguese coaches, proving that they could thrive on the world’s biggest stages. For younger coaches like Amorim, Mourinho isn’t just a role model; he’s the reason opportunities exist at all.

That’s why Amorim’s words carried such sincerity. He wasn’t simply offering polite soundbites. He was acknowledging a debt of gratitude.

Pressure on Amorim at Manchester United

While Mourinho enjoys the glow of a fresh start in Portugal, Amorim has been living through the grind of expectation in England. The Manchester United job is never easy, but the 2025-26 season has started particularly harshly for the Portuguese coach.

Two wins in five league matches left United languishing in mid-table, and whispers of discontent began to grow louder. Questions surfaced: Was Amorim the right man? Could he handle the relentless scrutiny of Premier League football?

Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea provided much-needed relief. Goals from Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro not only secured three points but also bought Amorim time. United climbed to 11th in the table, hardly cause for celebration, but enough to restore a sense of direction.

The Weight of “My Only Club”

In that context, Amorim’s insistence that Manchester United are “my only club” takes on extra significance. It was a statement designed to push back against the noise, to steady the ship internally, and to project confidence outwardly.

Managers know words matter. By tying himself so firmly to United, Amorim was making it clear: he won’t be distracted by speculation. He won’t be seduced by the romantic idea of returning to Portugal while there’s still work to be done in Manchester.

Of course, in football, loyalty is always conditional. Results shape narratives. But for now, the declaration gives United fans something they’ve long craved—clarity.

Mourinho at Benfica: A New Chapter, Familiar Expectations

Back in Lisbon, Mourinho’s challenge is equally fascinating. Benfica remain giants of Portuguese football but have struggled to translate domestic dominance into European relevance in recent years. Mourinho’s arrival brings both hope and expectation.

His opening win against AVS was routine, but the true tests await: Porto, Sporting, and the European stage. Can Mourinho, now in his sixties, still conjure the tactical masterclasses that once defined him? Can he adapt to modern football’s faster rhythms and more pressing-heavy styles?

Benfica believe he can. The fans believe too. And for Portuguese football as a whole, having Mourinho back home feels like a celebration of sorts.

The Portuguese Coaching Lineage

Amorim’s tribute also underscores something larger—the legacy of Portuguese coaching. From Mourinho’s trailblazing years to the modern wave of tacticians like Amorim, Sérgio Conceição, and André Villas-Boas, Portugal has punched well above its weight in managerial exports.

Each of these coaches, in one way or another, walks in Mourinho’s footsteps. Amorim’s admission—“I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Jose Mourinho”—isn’t just flattery. It’s fact.

What Comes Next for Amorim and United?

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For Amorim, the road ahead is straightforward yet treacherous. He must stabilise Manchester United’s season, climb back into the top four conversation, and restore faith among supporters who have grown weary of false dawns.

The Chelsea win was a step in the right direction, but consistency is key. Matches against mid-table opponents, where United have often faltered in recent years, will define whether Amorim’s tenure gains traction or unravels.

For now, though, his words ring loud: “Manchester United is my only club.”

Conclusion: Two Portuguese Managers, Two Different Journeys

On one side, Jose Mourinho—the returning legend, home again at Benfica, embraced like a conquering hero. On the other, Ruben Amorim—the young pretender, carrying the burden of Manchester United’s expectations, fighting to prove he belongs at the very top.

Both men embody the richness of Portugal’s managerial tradition. Both inspire fierce debate. And both, in their own ways, remind us why football is about more than tactics and trophies—it’s about identity, loyalty, and legacy.

As Mourinho settles into life back at Estádio da Luz, Amorim marches on at Old Trafford, determined to silence the critics. Their paths may have diverged, but their stories remain intertwined in the ever-evolving saga of Portuguese football.