Ruben Amorim tipped to be offered Man Utd escape route after presidential hopeful jets in to watch Red Devils in derby disaster against Man City

Manchester United slumped to a 3-0 defeat against rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, piling further pressure on Amorim. Watching from the stands was Lopes, who is currently ahead in the Benfica presidential polls. He was pictured alongside vice-president candidate Nuno Gomes – a close friend of Amorim – and general director Pedro Ferreira.

Lopes has made no secret of his ambition to bring Amorim to Benfica, where he spent nine years as a player. Current coach Bruno Lage is expected to leave at the end of the season, if not sooner, opening a clear pathway. With United enduring their worst start to a campaign in 33 years, speculation about Amorim’s future continues to intensify.

Speaking through his vice-president candidate Nuno Gomes, Lopes’ stance was made clear. Gomes told Portuguese media: “Ruben Amorim is the coach of Manchester United, I can't answer that question. One thing I know, Ruben Amorim will be the coach of Benfica one day. 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.”

United sources insist Amorim still has the club’s backing despite growing unrest. However, the Portuguese coach’s insistence on sticking with his 3-4-2-1 system has left doubts over his flexibility. The next few weeks could prove decisive, with Benfica watching developments closely as their own presidential elections loom.