José Mourinho had agreed to become Manchester United manager in 2013 as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor before reversing his decision, according to a new Netflix documentary. The Portuguese coach says he tearfully backed out of the deal to return to Chelsea instead.
The football world was stunned when Ferguson announced his retirement after winning a 13th Premier League title with United, ending a period of unprecedented dominance at Old Trafford. Mourinho’s revelation sheds new light on the managerial transition that eventually saw David Moyes take over.
KEY FACTS
- José Mourinho signed a contract to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager in 2013
- Mourinho reneged on the deal and returned to Chelsea instead
- Ferguson confirms the story in a new Netflix documentary
- The retirement followed Ferguson’s 13th Premier League title with United
How did this managerial near-miss happen?
The timeline suggests Mourinho was Ferguson’s first choice to continue United’s success, with the deal reportedly signed before the Scot’s retirement announcement. Mourinho’s emotional decision to back out came during a period when he was between jobs after leaving Real Madrid, ultimately choosing a return to Chelsea where he had previously won multiple Premier League titles.
United instead appointed David Moyes on a six-year contract, but the Scot lasted less than a season before being sacked. The failed succession planning contributed to United’s decline post-Ferguson, with the club going through several managers before eventually hiring Mourinho in 2016.
What does Ferguson say about this?
The legendary manager confirms Mourinho’s version of events in the documentary, though the exact nature of their discussions remains private. Ferguson had built United into England’s dominant force over 26 years, making his replacement one of the most coveted jobs in world football.
Mourinho’s Chelsea return proved successful initially as he won another Premier League title in 2015, while United struggled to adapt to life after Ferguson. The Portuguese did eventually take the Old Trafford job three years later, winning the Europa League and League Cup before being dismissed in 2018.
WHAT WE KNOW — AND WHAT WE DON’T
Verified by the source:
- Mourinho signed a contract to replace Ferguson at Manchester United
- He changed his mind and returned to Chelsea instead
- Ferguson confirms the story in the Netflix documentary
Still unconfirmed:
- Why Mourinho ultimately chose Chelsea over United
- Whether other candidates were considered before Moyes
- The specific terms of the contract Mourinho signed
WHY IT MATTERS
The revelation shows how differently Manchester United’s recent history might have unfolded had Mourinho taken over immediately after Ferguson. The club’s struggles to replace their legendary manager highlight the difficulty of following such an era-defining figure, with consequences that still affect the team today.
WHAT TO WATCH
The full Netflix documentary may provide more context about this pivotal moment in football history. Fans will also watch to see if either Mourinho or Ferguson expands on these revelations in future interviews.