Mourinho agreed to replace Ferguson at Man Utd in 2013

Jose Mourinho has revealed he almost became Manchester United’s manager in 2013, agreeing in principle to replace Sir Alex Ferguson before changing his mind and returning to Chelsea instead.

In a new Netflix documentary about his career, the 63-year-old coach said he had signed to join United after leaving Real Madrid, following Ferguson’s announcement of his retirement. Ferguson confirmed he offered Mourinho the job, telling him he was accepting the position. But within hours, Mourinho called to say he could not break his word to Chelsea, where he had won back-to-back Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006. “One night, he phoned me and he was crying and he says, ‘Alex, I can’t take it. I’ve given my word to Chelsea and I’m not going to break my word,’” Ferguson recalled. “The reason he gave to me, I could understand, but I was disappointed.”

Mourinho said he was “very flattered” to be considered for the United job, calling it an “incredible appeal.” But he admitted his heart ultimately led him back to Chelsea. “I think this is more powerful than love for football,” he said. “Fundamentally, after Real Madrid, I needed to feel that I’m loved.” The Portuguese manager went on to win a third Premier League title and the League Cup with Chelsea in 2014-15. He returned to United three years later, winning the League Cup and Europa League before being sacked in 2018.

The revelation sheds new light on Mourinho’s career path and the missed opportunity at Old Trafford. It also highlights the emotional decisions that have shaped his managerial journey, from acrimonious exits at clubs like Real Madrid and Chelsea to his combative relationships with players such as Iker Casillas. After a brief but turbulent spell at Tottenham earlier this year, Mourinho is now back at Real Madrid, where he previously won La Liga and Copa del Rey before his third-season dismissal in 2013. His next challenge will be proving he can deliver consistent success again, this time with a club that once saw him as a disruptive force rather than a leader.