Mourinho’s 2013 United Deal That Never Happened

In a three-part Netflix documentary released in August 2026, José Mourinho disclosed that he had signed a contract to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager in 2013, but reversed the decision within hours and returned to Chelsea. Ferguson corroborated the account, saying he believed the agreement was final until Mourinho’s tearful phone call.

GB News"It was painful": betrayal or a decision from the heart? Mourinho reveals the secret behind his refusal to succeed Ferguson Blueprint NewspaperJose Mourinho makes stunning admission that he AGREED to replace Sir Alex Ferguson as Man United manager in 2013 before making U-turn during emotional phone call with legendary boss José Mourinho turned down chance to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson The GuardianBBC NewsManchester Evening NewsMourinho reveals why he rejected Manchester United in 2013

Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement after 26 years at Old Trafford at the end of the 2012-13 season. The board began searching for a successor, and Mourinho—fresh from a turbulent departure from Real Madrid—was approached. He had previously won back-to-back Premier League titles with Chelsea in 2005 and 2006, creating a strong emotional bond with the club.

"It was painful": betrayal or a decision from the heart? Mourinho reveals the secret behind his refusal to succeed Ferguson BBC NewsThe HinduBlueprint NewspaperMourinho reveals why he rejected Manchester United in 2013 GB NewsJose Mourinho makes stunning admission that he AGREED to replace Sir Alex Ferguson as Man United manager in 2013 before making U-turn during emotional phone call with legendary boss

• 2013 – Ferguson retires; United begin succession talks.

"It was painful": betrayal or a decision from the heart? Mourinho reveals the secret behind his refusal to succeed Ferguson

• Hours later – Mourinho informs Ferguson he will honor his commitment to Chelsea and declines United.

Blueprint NewspaperGB NewsJose Mourinho makes stunning admission that he AGREED to replace Sir Alex Ferguson as Man United manager in 2013 before making U-turn during emotional phone call with legendary boss "It was painful": betrayal or a decision from the heart? Mourinho reveals the secret behind his refusal to succeed Ferguson Mirror - UKManchester Evening NewsJosé Mourinho turned down chance to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson BBC NewsThe Guardian

• 2013 – Mourinho returns to Chelsea, later winning a third Premier League title in 2014-15.

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• 2016 – United appoint Mourinho after van Gaal’s departure; he wins the League Cup and Europa League.

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• December 2018 – Mourinho is dismissed by United.

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• August 10 2026 – The Hindu publishes an article detailing the revelation.

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• August 11 2026 – Netflix releases the documentary “Mourinho”.

José Mourinho turned down chance to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson

• Chelsea honours under Mourinho: Premier League titles in 2004-05, 2005-06, and 2014-15; League Cups in 2005 and 2015.

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• United honours under Mourinho: League Cup and UEFA Europa League (both 2016-17); second-place Premier League finish in 2017-18.

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• Post-Ferguson succession: David Moyes appointed after the 2013 decline; his tenure lasted ten months without a league title.

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Mourinho said after leaving Real Madrid he felt a need “to be loved” and that his affection for Chelsea outweighed the “incredible appeal” of United. He described the decision as “dramatic” and made “with my heart”. Ferguson said he had offered the job, was convinced Mourinho had accepted it, and was disappointed but understood the reasoning.

Blueprint NewspaperGB NewsJosé Mourinho turned down chance to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson "It was painful": betrayal or a decision from the heart? Mourinho reveals the secret behind his refusal to succeed Ferguson Jose Mourinho makes stunning admission that he AGREED to replace Sir Alex Ferguson as Man United manager in 2013 before making U-turn during emotional phone call with legendary boss Mourinho reveals why he rejected Manchester United in 2013 BBC NewsManchester Evening NewsThe Guardian

• “For me to lose the chance to be the coach to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson was dramatic, but I don’t regret it because it was a decision that I made with my heart,” — José Mourinho

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• “Alex, I can’t take it. I’ve given my word to Chelsea and I’m not going to break my word,” — José Mourinho

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Mourinho’s last-minute reversal redirected United’s succession plan to David Moyes, whose brief tenure failed to secure major trophies. The episode shows how personal loyalty can reshape managerial markets at the highest level and adds a “what-if” dimension to United’s post-Ferguson era.

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All examined sources—BBC, ESPN, The Guardian, Mirror, GB News, The Hindu, and others—present a consistent narrative: Mourinho agreed to the United role, Ferguson confirmed the agreement, and Mourinho withdrew to honor Chelsea. No substantive contradictions were identified.

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The documentary “Mourinho” will be available on Netflix beginning August 11 2026, offering further insight into the manager’s career decisions and their broader impact on the sport.

José Mourinho turned down chance to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson