José Mourinho has disclosed that he was once set to take over as Manchester United manager in 2013, but changed his decision and returned to Chelsea instead.
The Portuguese coach said he had agreed to replace legendary United manager Sir Alex Ferguson after his departure from Real Madrid. However, his strong emotional connection with Chelsea eventually influenced him to reconsider.
Mourinho made the revelation in a new Netflix documentary series about his career, as reported by BBC Sport on Monday.
According to Ferguson, Mourinho initially appeared committed to taking the United job.
“I sat him down and explained the situation,” Ferguson recalled. “As far as I was concerned, he was accepting. And then, within hours, it changed.”
Ferguson also revealed that Mourinho later called him to explain his decision, telling the former United boss that he had given Chelsea his word and did not want to go back on it.
Although Ferguson admitted he was disappointed, he said he understood Mourinho’s reasoning.
Mourinho acknowledged that succeeding Ferguson at Old Trafford was an opportunity that carried enormous prestige, but said his feelings for Chelsea ultimately proved stronger.
He explained that while the chance to manage Manchester United was extremely appealing, he had reached a point in his career where he wanted to return to a club where he felt deeply connected and appreciated.
Mourinho ultimately chose Chelsea and returned to Stamford Bridge in 2013. During his second spell, he guided the club to another Premier League title and a League Cup triumph.
His move to Manchester United eventually happened three years later, when he was appointed in 2016 as Louis van Gaal’s successor.
Looking back, Mourinho said he does not regret rejecting United in 2013, describing it as a decision driven by his heart.
