In a new Netflix series released on Tuesday, Jose Mourinho confirms he had agreed to become Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor at Old Trafford.
“The Special One” had an agreement to take over at Manchester United in 2013, with Ferguson retiring after 26 years at the helm, but backed out at the last minute over loyalty to former club Chelsea. The Red Devils turned to then-Everton boss David Moyes in Mourinho’s stead. Moyes would go on to be fired less than a full season in charge.
“One night, 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,’” Ferguson says in Mourinho. “The reason he gave to me, I could understand, but I was disappointed.”
Departing Real Madrid after three seasons, Mourinho opted to return to Stamford Bridge where he had previously managed from 2004 to 2007.
“I think this is more powerful than love for football and fundamentally, after Real Madrid, I needed to feel that I’m loved,” Mourinho said. “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.”
Mourinho’s Chelsea would go on to win the Premier League title in 2014. His second stint at the Blues would last 18 months. He would eventually manage at United for 18 months, winning both the Europa League and League Cup in 2017.
Since departing United in 2018, Mourinho has gone on to manage at Tottenham Hotspur, Roma, Fenerbahce and Benfica. Now 63, Mourinho is set to embark on his second stint at the Bernabeu. Runners-up last season, Real opens up its 2026-2027 campaign on Aug. 22 with a visit to Espanyol.
