What Jose Mourinho has told ‘confidants’ about Man Utd return as new favourite emerges to replace Ruben Amorim

Jose Mourinho has reportedly shared with close confidants that he would not hesitate to return to Manchester United if the opportunity presented itself. The Portuguese tactician, who guided the Red Devils between 2016 and 2018, remains deeply connected to the club despite his exit seven years ago.

Ruben Amorim, United’s current manager, has come under increasing pressure after a difficult start to the new campaign. The Portuguese coach replaced Erik ten Hag in December, tasked with bringing back stability and a winning mentality to Old Trafford. However, results have not gone as planned, with United languishing in 15th place in the Premier League table after two games and still dealing with the scars of last season’s Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.

The Red Devils have invested heavily in their attack this summer, bringing in fresh reinforcements in a bid to address last season’s struggles. Yet glaring issues remain unsolved, particularly in the goalkeeping department and midfield. Calls from supporters for a commanding central midfielder have gone unanswered, while fringe players like Jadon Sancho, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, and Tyrell Malacia remain on the books despite efforts to move them on.

Amorim’s side has shown more aggression and attacking intent compared to last season, but results tell a different story. A narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal was followed by a disappointing 1-1 draw with Fulham, leaving fans concerned that the rebuild under the former Sporting Lisbon boss may not yield immediate success. At Old Trafford, where patience is historically thin for managers, the pressure is mounting.

According to bookmakers, Gareth Southgate and Oliver Glasner are the joint frontrunners to replace Amorim if United decide to act. Behind them in the odds are familiar faces such as Michael Carrick, who left Middlesbrough in the summer, along with Mauricio Pochettino and Kieran McKenna. Strikingly, Jose Mourinho is not currently among the favorites—though earlier this year he was rated the leading candidate should the United job become vacant.

Away from Old Trafford, Mourinho is also said to be a name on Nottingham Forest’s radar, with reports linking him as a possible successor to Nuno Espirito Santo if the Forest boss departs. This indicates that Mourinho’s managerial stock remains high across Europe despite his mixed stints since leaving Manchester United.

The Manchester Evening News revealed earlier in the year that Mourinho has not closed the door on returning to United. In private, he has reportedly told friends he would “walk back” to Old Trafford if the club came calling. Publicly, however, he has expressed support for Amorim, describing him as a coach of “great potential and character,” even suggesting that stability could allow his compatriot to thrive at United.

In a recent interview, Mourinho revisited his time at Old Trafford, calling his second-place finish in the 2017/18 Premier League season one of his greatest career achievements. Despite a trophy-laden career, including Champions League triumphs and league titles across Europe, Mourinho explained that guiding a turbulent United to second in the league showcased his ability to deliver results under difficult circumstances.

He highlighted the behind-the-scenes challenges he faced at United, suggesting that outside observers often underestimated the complexities of the job. For Mourinho, the context around that second-place finish was more telling than the silverware he has collected elsewhere. It was a subtle reminder of his belief that he has “unfinished business” at Old Trafford.

Mourinho remains in charge of Turkish giants Fenerbahce, where he has started a new chapter of his managerial journey. Yet his continued openness about United, his fond recollections of past battles, and the whispers shared with confidants all point to one thing: if Manchester United were to call, Mourinho would answer without hesitation.

As Amorim grapples with the early challenges of his tenure, the shadow of Mourinho looms large. United fans remain divided on whether the club should revisit the past or persist with a long-term project under Amorim. But one thing is certain: the prospect of “The Special One” returning to Old Trafford has never truly faded from the conversation.