Ruben Amorim has reappeared in the public eye in an unexpected setting: the stands of the Qatar Open, watching Carlos Alcaraz battle Karen Khachanov in Doha. It was his first notable public sighting since his dismissal from Manchester United, and it immediately reignited conversation about what the Portuguese coach might be planning next. Was he simply enjoying some time away from football, or quietly exploring opportunities in a region that has become increasingly influential in the sport’s global ecosystem?
The image of Amorim calmly observing a tennis match contrasted sharply with the intensity of his recent months in English football. After leaving Old Trafford, he chose discretion over public commentary, avoiding interviews and staying largely out of the spotlight. That silence has only fueled curiosity about his future and whether this Middle East visit signals more than just a casual break.
Amorim’s departure from Manchester United came after a challenging tenure that lasted just over a year. During that period, he oversaw 63 matches, recording 24 wins while trying to implement a tactical system that demanded high physical and mental intensity from the squad. The club ultimately decided to move in a different direction, awarding the coach a severance package reportedly worth around $12.7 million after ending a contract that had been valued at approximately $8.3 million per season.
Since then, he has adopted a notably quiet approach. Rather than rushing into media appearances or hinting at immediate career plans, he has chosen to step back, traveling privately and spending time with family. Those close to the coach suggest he prefers to begin any new project during the offseason, when he can shape a squad from the ground up rather than inherit a mid-season crisis.
His presence in Doha therefore stands out not because it signals urgency, but because it shows a manager comfortable enough to slow down. Observers noted that he seemed relaxed while watching the quarter-final clash, offering no obvious indication that he was engaged in negotiations or scouting assignments. Still, given how football networking often happens informally, the location has inevitably sparked debate about possible business interests in the region.
Even as Amorim keeps his distance from immediate job openings, speculation about his next destination has not faded. Benfica has emerged as a recurring name in these discussions, particularly if managerial changes occur there after the current season. A return to Portugal would align with his reputation for long-term project building and his familiarity with the domestic football structure.
