Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has revealed that he had agreed to take over at Old Trafford in 2013, following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, before eventually choosing to return to Chelsea.
Mourinho made the revelation in a new Netflix documentary about his career, explaining that he had reached an agreement with Manchester United after leaving Real Madrid.
According to the Portuguese coach, the opportunity to succeed Ferguson was highly attractive because of Manchester United’s status and history.
However, Mourinho said his decision changed after he had already given Chelsea his word that he would return to Stamford Bridge.
Ferguson also recounted the episode in the documentary, saying Mourinho initially appeared ready to accept the Manchester United job before informing him that he could not go back on his commitment to Chelsea.
Ferguson said Mourinho called him and explained that he had given his word to Chelsea and did not want to break it. Although Ferguson said he understood the reason, he admitted that he was disappointed by Mourinho’s decision.
Mourinho subsequently returned to Chelsea in 2013 and guided the club to another Premier League title and League Cup triumph during his second spell.
The Portuguese eventually became Manchester United manager in 2016, succeeding Louis van Gaal.
During his two-and-a-half-year tenure at Old Trafford, Mourinho won the Europa League, League Cup and Community Shield before leaving the club in December 2018.
The revelation has renewed interest in what might have happened to Manchester United’s post-Ferguson era had Mourinho taken charge of the club in 2013.
