José Mourinho Reveals He Signed Contract To Succeed Alex Ferguson At Manchester United In 2013

José Mourinho has revealed that he had signed an agreement to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager in 2013, only to change his mind and return to Chelsea. The revelation, made in a new Netflix documentary, sheds fresh light on one of the most significant managerial decisions in Manchester United's modern history.

José Mourinho has revealed that he signed a contract to become Manchester United manager after Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013, before ultimately deciding against taking the job and returning to Chelsea.

The revelation comes more than a decade after Ferguson stepped down following 26 years at Old Trafford. At the time, Manchester United officially appointed David Moyes as Ferguson's successor, while Mourinho returned to Chelsea after leaving Real Madrid.

Mourinho's disclosure provides a remarkable new perspective on a managerial appointment that had long been the subject of speculation.

Mourinho Had Agreed To Replace Ferguson

According to Mourinho's account in the new documentary, he had agreed to take over from Ferguson after leaving Real Madrid.

Ferguson also confirmed that Mourinho had been offered the position and that, from his perspective, the Portuguese coach had accepted. The situation then changed dramatically.

A Tearful Call To Sir Alex

Mourinho explained that he eventually decided he could not turn down Chelsea, where he had previously enjoyed enormous success.

He reportedly contacted Ferguson emotionally to explain that he had given his word to Chelsea and did not want to break that commitment. Ferguson was disappointed but said he understood Mourinho's reasoning.

United Appointed David Moyes

The decision ultimately paved the way for David Moyes to become Ferguson's official successor.

Manchester United confirmed Moyes in May 2013 on a six-year contract after Ferguson recommended him for the position. Moyes formally took charge on 1 July that year.

Mourinho, meanwhile, signed a four-year contract to return to Chelsea after leaving Real Madrid.

Mourinho Eventually Got The United Job

Although Mourinho declined the opportunity in 2013, Manchester United's interest in him did not disappear.

Three years later, he finally became United manager, replacing Louis van Gaal in 2016. He signed an initial three-year contract and subsequently guided the club to the Europa League, League Cup and Community Shield during his first season.

His eventual appointment meant Mourinho ultimately fulfilled the opportunity he had previously turned down.

Why The Revelation Matters

Mourinho's disclosure changes the context surrounding the aftermath of Ferguson's retirement. The public record in 2013 showed Moyes as the confirmed successor, while Mourinho publicly said at the time that he was committed to returning to Chelsea.

The new account suggests that behind the scenes, the situation was considerably more complicated than supporters were led to believe.

A Decision That Changed United's History

Mourinho's decision had significant consequences for Manchester United. Moyes' tenure lasted less than a year before he was dismissed in April 2014, beginning a period of managerial instability that continued through several appointments.

Mourinho eventually arrived at Old Trafford, but not until 2016, meaning the club had already gone through the Moyes, Louis van Gaal and transitional phases before the Portuguese coach finally took charge.

Mourinho Says He Has No Regrets

Despite eventually managing Manchester United, Mourinho has indicated that he does not regret choosing Chelsea in 2013.

His explanation was rooted in his strong emotional connection with the London club and his desire to return to a place where he felt a deep bond with supporters and the football environment.

Ultimately, José Mourinho's revelation offers a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of one of football's biggest managerial transitions. Sir Alex Ferguson's successor was publicly presented as David Moyes, but Mourinho's account suggests he had first agreed to take the role before changing course. More than a decade later, the story provides a striking reminder of how dramatically decisions made behind closed doors can shape the history of a football club.