Manchester United’s decision to part ways with Rúben Amorim continues to frame debate in Portugal. This time, the discussion reached José Mourinho, who addressed the subject while speaking to the press ahead of Benfica’s cup semi-final against Braga.
Quoted by Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Mourinho was asked whether Amorim’s exit from Manchester United should increase pressure on coaches working in Portugal. He made it clear that he does not see the situation in those terms.
“I do not understand why it would, but each coach will answer for himself. For me, no, I do not feel it that way,” Mourinho said.
The former Manchester United manager then drew on his own experience at Old Trafford. He stressed that he knows exactly why his spell at the club ended, but explained that he has always avoided revisiting those moments in public.
Jose won’t spill Manchester United beans
“My career at Manchester United, I know it well. I also know the reason why I ended up leaving,” he explained. “But as I always do, or try to do, when I leave a club I close the door and then I do not make comments. I do not analyse externally what happened.”
Mourinho added that he prefers to treat each departure as a closed chapter. According to him, outcomes remain on record, but the focus must move forward.
“A door closes and another one will open. That is what happened when I left. The history stayed there, the numbers stayed there, the three medals came home and that is it,” he said.
Amorim needs to analyse departure
Turning back to Amorim, Mourinho refused to interpret the situation on the coach’s behalf. Instead, he argued that any deeper assessment must come from the man directly involved.
“What happened with Rúben is something that only Rúben can analyse,” Mourinho added. “I believe he will do it, he and his staff. Whether he will do it with you and make his view public, that I do not know.”
In Portugal, Mourinho’s remarks add another layer to the reaction surrounding Amorim’s Manchester United exit. Rather than judging the decision itself, he framed it as a personal process… Though he couldn’t help but to highlight the silverware he won at Old Trafford, of course.
