Man United boss Ruben Amorim ‘could be handed surprise escape route by one of his old clubs’ after humiliating Carabao Cup loss to Grimsby

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim could be offered an escape route by one of his former clubs amid fresh doubts over his future at the club. 

United’s embarrassing Carabao Cup capitulation to Grimsby Town on Wednesday night has increased the early-season pressure on Amorim after spending more than £200million on new signings this summer.

Amorim, who considered his position in January and then said in May that he would do away with compensation if he isn’t the right man for the job, raised more concerns over his future in the wake of United’s defeat to the League Two club on penalties.

The frustrated 40-year-old described it as ‘the limit’ and indicated that he will speak to his employers during the two-week international break that follows United’s clash with Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday. 

According to The Times, Amorim could sensationally be handed a way out by none other than one of his old clubs – Benfica.

The former Sporting boss, who twice guided the Lisbon side to the Portuguese title at the expense of Benfica, is still fondly remembered at the Estadio da Luz, where he enjoyed a glittering playing career and lifted three league titles as a midfielder.

Ruben Amorim could be offered an escape route out of Man United by one of his former clubs

The Carabao Cup defeat by Grimsby has increased the early-season pressure on Amorim

Benfica presidential candidate Joao Noronha Lopes is plotting a bold move to lure Amorim back after his glittering playing career at the club

And now presidential candidate Joao Noronha Lopes is plotting a bold move to lure Amorim back. 

Lopes has already recruited Nuno Gomes – the former Benfica and Blackburn striker, and one of Amorim’s closest friends – to his campaign team in a bid to strengthen his case.

For now, Benfica remain under the guidance of former Wolves boss Bruno Lage, who led the club to a runners-up finish last season – just two points adrift of fierce rivals Sporting.

Lopes is one of five challengers hoping to oust Rui Costa in the upcoming presidential elections, and while he kept his cards close to his chest during a debate with Portuguese paper Record, it’s understood he is a huge admirer of Amorim and dreams of bringing him back to the Estadio da Luz.

Pressed on the matter, Lopes said: ‘He’s an excellent coach, under contract with Manchester United. I won’t destabilise Benfica. They have a very important match ahead of them.’

Ahead of facing Burnley on Saturday, Amorim admitted that there are times when he wants to quit the club and occasions when he hates his players. 

He said: ‘Guys, to be really honest with you guys, every time that we have or have in the future one defeat like that, I’m going to be like that.

For now, Benfica remain under the guidance of former Wolves boss Bruno Lage

 I’m going to say that sometimes I hate my players, sometimes I love my players, sometimes I want to defend my players. I think this is my way of doing things and I’m going to be like that. 

‘And I felt that in that moment I was so frustrated and [annoyed]. And I know, again, that you have a lot of experienced people talking about the way I should perform with the media, to be more constant, to be more calm. I’m not going to be like that.’ 

‘That kind of performance [against Grimsby] was [unacceptable]’.