Jose Mourinho has revealed a significant, previously unknown detail about the period following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement from Manchester United in 2013. The Portuguese manager stated in his new Netflix documentary, titled ‘Mourinho’, that he had verbally agreed to take over from Ferguson at Old Trafford but ultimately chose to return to Chelsea instead, a decision he described as tearful.
A Shocking Announcement and a Managerial Vacuum
Sir Alex Ferguson’s sudden announcement of his retirement in May 2013 sent shockwaves through the football world. His departure came shortly after securing Manchester United’s 13th Premier League title, capping a period of unprecedented dominance for the club. In the years that followed, United struggled to recapture their former glory. David Moyes, Ferguson’s chosen successor, was dismissed after just 10 months, and subsequent managers also faced considerable challenges in restoring the club to the pinnacle of English football.
Mourinho’s Untold Agreement
Mourinho, who managed Real Madrid before his second spell at Chelsea, disclosed that he had already committed to Manchester United. He explained that he signed an agreement to become the next manager after Ferguson, a move that would have placed him at the helm of one of football’s most storied clubs. However, he ultimately rescinded this commitment.
“I go to Chelsea in 2013 but in that period there is something nobody knows,” Mourinho shared in the documentary. “I think I can say because I don’t hurt anyone with the truth, and 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.”
The Allure of Old Trafford and the Pull of Emotion
The Portuguese manager expressed his profound flattery at being considered for the role, acknowledging Manchester United’s immense global appeal. He placed the club in esteemed company, stating, “When I say Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world, I have to say that Manchester United is very, very close.”
Despite the significant draw of managing Manchester United, Mourinho emphasized that personal emotional connections played a decisive role in his decision. He articulated a distinction between a passion for the sport and a deep-seated affection for a particular club. “But one thing is love for football, and another thing is love for a certain club,” he explained. “I think this is more powerful than love for football and, fundamentally, after Real Madrid, I needed to feel that I’m loved.”
Ferguson’s Perspective and Mourinho’s Tears
Sir Alex Ferguson himself was interviewed for the documentary and admitted he was under the impression that Mourinho would be accepting the managerial position. He recounted a pivotal phone call where Mourinho expressed his deep emotional conflict.
“Early evening he phoned me and he was crying,” Ferguson recalled. “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 understood Mourinho’s reasoning but admitted to feeling disappointed by the turn of events.
A Heartfelt Decision and No Regrets
Mourinho’s first tenure at Chelsea had been exceptionally successful, yielding two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and two League Cups. His return to Stamford Bridge in 2013, after leaving Real Madrid, was seen as a homecoming, despite any past differences with owner Roman Abramovich. This initial spell cemented his strong bond with the club and its supporters.
Reflecting on his choice, Mourinho stated that missing the opportunity to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson was a dramatic moment, but he harbors no regrets. “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,” he said. “And I think it is nature that says something that when you do something for love, you are never doing anything wrong. I think it’s nature. I did it for love.”
He further elaborated on the feeling of returning to Chelsea, describing it as going “home” but acknowledging the immense responsibility that came with it. “Yes, I go home, but with big responsibility because what I did before is history, and you don’t want to destroy your legacy,” Mourinho added.
Conclusion: A Path Not Taken
Mourinho’s revelation sheds new light on a critical juncture in Manchester United’s recent history and the managerial career of one of football’s most prominent figures. His decision to prioritize an emotional connection with Chelsea over the prestigious role at Manchester United, despite having a signed agreement, underscores the complex interplay of professional ambition and personal sentiment in elite sports management. While United continued to search for stability post-Ferguson, Mourinho embarked on another chapter with Chelsea, driven by what he described as a decision made purely for love.
