Ruben Amorim is allegedly being eyed up by Benfica as the axe looms large following Manchester United's woeful start to the season.

United were thrashed 3-0 by Manchester City in Sunday's Manchester derby and Amorim found himself in the firing line from pundits. The Portuguese boss has now managed just eight victories from his 31 league matches since replacing Erik ten Hag last November.

Despite earning widespread acclaim in his homeland for his exceptional stint at Sporting Clube de Portugal - breaking their 19-year title jinx and guiding them back onto the European stage - recent months in England have proved challenging for him.

Outsiders are monitoring his situation and the Portuguese media suggest he's being lined up as a possible manager for Benfica.

The Portuguese giants will stage presidential elections next month. Candidate Joao Noronha Lopes, alongside former Benfica and Portugal star Nuno Gomes, who is standing as vice-president, are reportedly weighing up Amorim as a prospective coach.

The duo attended Sunday's clash at the Etihad Stadium and, following their return to Lisbon, faced questions about the swirling speculation.

Noronha Lopes explained: "We went to Manchester to watch the derby, and when we are together, we take the time to have meetings and prepare the future of Benfica.

"We didn't meet up with Bernardo Silva or Ruben Amorim after the game. I want to bring to Benfica a winning culture, which has talent, dedication and people who know how to win."

When asked about the possibility of Amorim managing Benfica in the future, Noronha Lopes added: "Ruben is under contract with Manchester United and I won't comment on that."

Meanwhile, Gomes dismissed any connection between their Manchester visit and the United manager. "I don't want to speak about that, I'm a friend of Ruben Amorim, and he has a contract with Manchester United," he said.

"We watched the game, Joao [Noronha Lopes] is a passionate football fan and I enjoyed this experience with him."

This wasn't the first time he was questioned about Amorim. Just last weekend, he remarked: "I can't answer that question at the moment but I'm sure that Amorim will be the manager of Benfica, one day."

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Ruben Amorim next role truth emerges amid Man United sack pressure and fresh claims - The Mirror