Not one of Mourinho's favourites, Benfica midfielder could leave in summer | OneFootball

Manu Silva, a well-liked midfielder in the Benfica squad due to his consistently good mood, apparently does not have a happy relationship with José Mourinho. In this case, it is the player's characteristics that seem to prevent him from being a regular choice for the Special One.

That explains why, since January 7, in the clash with Braga in the Allianz Cup semi-finals — a game in which he started and was taken off at half-time — he has only returned to the pitch three times, totaling seven minutes of playing time. This situation is not expected to change before the end of the season and, therefore, the possibility of him leaving in the summer is not ruled out, if José Mourinho remains in charge of Benfica.

According to the newspaper Record, this is also a situation that pains the Special One, but for that position he wants someone with greater intensity, stronger in duels, and with a different physical edge. The player is aware of this fact, but according to the information gathered, the midfielder remains fully committed in training and always shows great dedication.

It should also be noted that in the last match, against Nacional, Manu was even left out of José Mourinho’s squad — who sees a close friend make a request to Rui Costa — making the limited space he currently has quite clear. The player is waiting until the summer to decide his future, but the Special One’s possible continuation at the Club should push the midfielder out of Luz.

In the current 2025/26 season, Manu Silva — valued at €9 million — has played 10 matches for Benfica: seven in Liga Portugal Betclic, one in the Champions League, one in the Portuguese Cup, and one in the League Cup. The midfielder has been on the pitch for 247 minutes.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.