José Mourinho has disclosed that he had accepted the opportunity to become Manchester United’s manager in 2013, following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. This revelation was made in a recent Netflix documentary titled “Mourinho,” which chronicles the coach’s extensive career in football.
At the end of the 2012-13 season, Mourinho departed from Real Madrid after a challenging three-year tenure. Despite being widely anticipated to return to Chelsea, where he previously secured two Premier League titles, he initially made an agreement to succeed Ferguson.
<h4″I signed with Manchester United to go to Manchester United after Sir Alex,” Mourinho explained in the series, which highlights his complex relationship with various clubs, including Chelsea and Inter Milan.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s Reflection on Mourinho’s Decision
Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement from Manchester United following 26 successful years at the club. During this time, he secured 13 Premier League titles, firmly establishing himself as the most successful manager in the club’s history.
Ferguson has recounted that he believed Mourinho was on board with the managerial position. “I sat him down and explained the situation. And as far as I was concerned, he was accepting. And then within hours, it changed,” he stated, indicating the unexpected shift that ultimately led to Mourinho returning to Chelsea.
Mourinho reportedly called Ferguson to personally detail his change of heart. “One night, he phoned me and he was crying and he said: ‘Alex, I can’t take it. I’ve given my word to Chelsea and I’m not going to break my word,'” Ferguson shared. His disappointment was palpable, even as he acknowledged Mourinho’s reasoning.
Mourinho’s Emotional Attachment to Chelsea
While the prospect of taking over at Manchester United was enticing, Mourinho indicated that his emotional connection to Chelsea was a decisive factor in his decision. He remarked, “I was very flattered to be offered the job because Manchester United has an incredible appeal.” However, he felt a stronger allegiance to Chelsea, a feeling that ultimately influenced his choice.
Mourinho had faced a difficult final season at Real Madrid, marked by a fractured relationship with several players, including a notable conflict with club captain Iker Casillas. As a result, the club concluded the 2012-13 season without a major trophy, prompting Mourinho’s departure that summer.
Reflecting on the decision that kept him from succeeding Ferguson, Mourinho said it was a challenging moment for him but asserted that he does not regret his choice. “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,” he explained.
Impact on Future Managerial Roles
Returning to Chelsea in June 2013, Mourinho led the club to another successful period, claiming the Premier League title and League Cup in the 2014-15 season. Meanwhile, Manchester United appointed then-Everton manager David Moyes as Ferguson’s successor, who held the position for only 10 months before being dismissed due to a lack of success.
Mourinho was later appointed Manchester United manager in 2016, following Louis van Gaal’s exit. He secured the League Cup and Europa League in his initial season and guided United to a second-place finish in the Premier League in 2017-18, marking their highest finish since Ferguson’s retirement.
However, during his third season, the relationship between Mourinho and the club soured, leading to his dismissal in December 2018. This insight into Mourinho’s earlier decision sheds light on a significant “what-if” scenario in Manchester United’s post-Ferguson era, highlighting the potential implications had he accepted the managerial role in 2013.
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