Mourinho’s 2013 Decision to Decline United’s Top Job

A three-part Netflix documentary titled “Mourinho,” scheduled for release on August 11, discloses that José Mourinho signed a contract to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager in 2013. The agreement was reached shortly after Ferguson announced his retirement at the end of the 2012-13 season. Within hours, Mourinho called Ferguson in tears and told him he could not break his word to Chelsea, prompting the Portuguese manager to abandon the United deal and return to Stamford Bridge.

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 ESPNMourinho reveals he agreed to replace Ferguson at Manchester United before choosing Chelsea

Sir Alex Ferguson ended a 26-year tenure that produced 13 Premier League titles, two FA Cups and two UEFA Champions League trophies. His retirement created a vacuum at Old Trafford, and United’s board began a search for a successor. Although Mourinho was offered the role, the club ultimately appointed David Moyes, who lasted only ten months before being dismissed.

The Independent

He later said Mourinho’s late-night phone call left him “disappointed” but that he understood the reason.

ESPN

José Mourinho explained his reversal as an emotional decision. He added that the appeal of Chelsea and his personal bond with the club outweighed the prestige of succeeding Ferguson.

Mourinho reveals he agreed to replace Ferguson at Manchester United before choosing Chelsea

Sources differ on the timeline of the negotiations. One account describes the process as taking “days,” while another states it unfolded over “weeks” with meetings in Madrid and London. Likewise, the speed of Mourinho’s change of mind is reported as “within hours” by Ferguson, yet a separate source suggests the reversal occurred after “days” of deliberation. The documentary does not resolve these discrepancies.

BBC News

Mourinho’s decision reshaped United’s post-Ferguson era. The club endured a succession of short-lived managers, beginning with Moyes and later including Mourinho himself, who finally took charge in 2016. During his 895-day spell, Mourinho won the League Cup and the UEFA Europa League but was dismissed in December 2018 after a poor run of results. United have not reclaimed the Premier League title since Ferguson’s departure, a fact highlighted by multiple outlets. The revelation adds a new dimension to the club’s managerial history and underscores how personal motivations can alter the trajectory of elite football institutions.

Mourinho reveals he agreed to replace Ferguson at Manchester United before choosing Chelsea The Independent

• “I think the objective of this work that we are doing is to tell the truth. When I left Real Madrid, I signed with Manchester United to go to Manchester United after Sir Alex,” — Jose Mourinho, charismatic manager

ESPN

• “When I left Real Madrid, I signed with Manchester United to go to Manchester United after Sir Alex.” — Jose Mourinho, charismatic manager

The Independent

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

The Independent