Jose Mourinho has revealed a shocking truth, and the football world is going crazy over it. The revelation ends years of speculation about how close Mourinho came to becoming the first post-Ferguson manager at Manchester United.
The Real Madrid manager, who is in his second spell with the La Liga side, could have been one of the managers to lead the Red Devils and replace Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. The Portuguese boss has confirmed that he agreed to succeed Ferguson at Old Trafford in 2013, only to change his mind and return to Chelsea instead.
Did Mourinho sign for Man United before choosing Chelsea in 2013?
Speaking in the Netflix documentary, Mourinho said:
“When I left Real Madrid, I signed to go to Man Utd after Sir Alex.”
The former Benfica coach described the decision to walk away as “dramatic” but insisted he had no regrets. “I needed to feel that I’m loved,” Mourinho further explained. He also stated that it was a decision that was made with his heart.
Sir Alex Ferguson later recalled that Mourinho telephoned him in tears to say he could not take the job because he had given his word to Chelsea. Ferguson had recommended David Moyes as his successor, and the Scot was appointed.
Mourinho rejoined Chelsea in the summer of 2013 and went on to win the Premier League and League Cup in his second spell at Stamford Bridge. He eventually managed Manchester United between 2016 and 2018, securing the League Cup and Europa League before his dismissal.
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