By Ben Husband,Oisin Doherty

Copyright irishmirror

Jose Mourinho has been announced as the new manager of Benfica, returning to management less than a month after his departure from Fenerbahce.

The renowned tactician, who has previously led Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid, was given the boot by Fenerbahce at the end of August following just over a year at the helm.

His abrupt exit came just two days after the Turkish club were knocked out of the Champions League play-offs…by none other than his new employers, Benfica.

They’ve signed him up until June 2027.

Mourinho’s side were defeated by former Premier League boss Bruno Lage, who himself was shown the door this week after a shaky start to the new season.

‘The Special One’, started his managerial career with Benfica in 2000 but lasted less than a season after falling out with the club’s president. Now 62, Mourinho returns to Benfica and is expected to take his first training session on Thursday.

Speaking before his appointment was made official, Mourinho revealed he had no hesitation in going back to his former club. He said: “What I can confirm is that, before I caught the plane, Benfica asked me if I was interested in coaching them.

“I said yes. I said I was abroad and that when I returned to Portugal I would have all the interest in talking with them. My nature is wanting to coach. I told myself that I wanted to balance myself emotionally.

“I didn’t want to say yes to the wrong club, just because I am a workaholic. When asked if I wanted to coach Benfica, I did not think twice. It interests me.”

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim’s name had also come up in the wake of Lage’s sacking, with his future at Old Trafford uncertain. The former Sporting manager has endured a dismal first year in England and has picked up just one win from United’s opening four Premier League games.

The United hierarchy insist they are continuing to back the manager, although another meeting is planned in three games’ time, during the next international break.

Capitalising on the speculation, Norohna Lopes – who is hoping to become Benfica’s president – was asked about the possibility of landing the Red Devils boss.

He said: “Ruben Amorim? He’s a great coach, he has a contract with Manchester United. I won’t comment on that. Of course I like him. He’s a great coach and a Benfica fan. I don’t have a contract for Ruben to sign.”

Mourinho’s return to Benfica also ends speculation over a move back to the English top flight. He has already had two spells with Chelsea, winning the Premier League three times, as well as managing Manchester United and Tottenham.

He had previously suggested he would be open to the idea of taking over a club not featuring in European competition, after several rows with UEFA.

“I think the best thing I have to do is, when I leave Fenerbahce, I go to a club that does not play UEFA competitions,” Mourinho said. “If any club in England from the bottom of the table needs a coach in two years, I am ready to go.”