In a remarkable revelation, Jose Mourinho has stated that he turned down a move to Manchester United in 2013, in favour of joining Chelsea.
Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson made the dramatic revelation as part of the new Netflix docu-series MOURINHO, which releases on Tuesday, August 11
Mourinho is regarded as one of the top managers of his generation, having enjoyed significant success throughout his career in management.
This revelation completely reshapes the narrative around Mourinho's second spell at Chelsea and the future of the Red Devils.
Ferguson Chose Mourinho as His Manchester United Successor
United's post-Ferguson era was a disaster, compared to how the club was with the iconic Sir Alex Ferguson in charge.
At the time of his retirement in the 2012-13 season, he had just delivered a 20th Premier League title to Old Trafford, and picked fellow Scotsman David Moyes to succeed him.
Well, that was as an afterthought. Mourinho has revealed in his docu-series that he was, in fact, the original choice of the iconic manager to take charge of Manchester United.
He revealed that discussions had progressed as far as him agreeing to a contract with the Red Devils to replace Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer of 2013.
"I go to Chelsea in 2013, but in that period there is something nobody knows.
"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.
"I was, of course, very flattered, because Manchester United has an incredible appeal.
"When I say Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world, I have to say that Manchester United is very, very close.
“But one thing is love for football, and another thing is love for a certain club.
"I think this is more powerful than love for football and, fundamentally, after Real Madrid, I needed to feel that I’m loved."
Sir Alex Ferguson trusted Mourinho to handle the pressure of being Manchester United manager better than any other, and wanted him to succeed him in the Old Trafford dugout.
He had agreed to take the role, assuring the veteran manager of his availability, until his u-turn.
The U-Turn: Mourinho’s Promise to Chelsea
Sir Alex Ferguson was shocked a few hours down the line when a tearful Jose Mourinho called him.
The Portuguese explained to Ferguson that he was sorry, and he would not be able to accept the job anymore.
He had given his word to former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich to return to Chelsea, and intended to honour that commitment.
"[Mourinho] was offered a job, yes. I sat him down and explained the situation.
"And as far as I was concerned, he was accepting. And then within hours, it changed.
"Early evening he phoned me and he was crying, 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.’
"The reason he gave to me I could understand, but I was disappointed.”
Mourinho's revelation explains that his decision was swayed by the love he had for Chelsea, the club that really thrust him into the spotlight.
The 63-year-old still owns a home near Stamford Bridge and has spoken in the past about how he loves the club.
His contract at Real Madrid was ripped up by mutual consent in that summer, freeing him up to return to his beloved Blues.
For Sir Alex Ferguson, it was the second time that Chelsea had burned him after a contract was virtually agreed.
The Blues had done something similar about eight years earlier, when they signed John Obi Mikel after the Nigerian had been unveiled as a Manchester United player.
Fergie, as he was widely known, was hugely disappointed but understood the situation and moved on.
How Mourinho’s Decision Changed Manchester United’s Future
Sir Alex Ferguson's disappointment with Mourinho's decision would have deepened as he watched the Premier League in the years after his retirement.
David Moyes came into Old Trafford and struggled badly, eventually getting sacked within ten months of his appointment.
Meanwhile, Mourinho, who delivered Chelsea to a third-placed finish in the 2013-14 Premier League season and the UEFA Champions League semi-final.
The following season, he led the team to the Premier League and EFL Cup titles before he was also fired in December 2015.
The managerial merry-go-round would eventually deliver Mourinho to Old Trafford in 2016, and he remains the club's most successful manager since Sir Alex Ferguson, to this day.
