Jose Mourinho Reflects on Near Move to Manchester United in 2013

In a revealing documentary, Jose Mourinho discusses his near move to Manchester United in 2013, where he was set to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson. He reflects on his decision to return to Chelsea instead, citing emotional ties and the need for appreciation after a challenging period at Real Madrid. Mourinho's insights shed light on his career choices and the legacy he aimed to protect. This article explores his reflections on pivotal moments in his managerial journey, including his successes and challenges at both Chelsea and Manchester United.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 10, 2026, 14:23 IST

Mourinho's Career Insights

Jose Mourinho, the renowned manager currently leading Real Madrid for the second time, disclosed that he was poised to take over from the iconic Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in 2013. However, he ultimately opted to return to Chelsea, where he had previously managed from 2004 to 2007.

In a three-part documentary series titled 'Mourinho', which chronicles his illustrious career across various top clubs, Mourinho shared that he had signed with Manchester United to succeed Ferguson after the legendary manager concluded his 27-year tenure with the Red Devils. He stated, as reported by ESPN, "The aim of this documentary is to present the truth. After leaving Real Madrid, I had an agreement to join Manchester United following Sir Alex [Ferguson]."

Ferguson's Confirmation and Last-Minute Change

Mourinho's first term at Real Madrid, lasting from 2010 to 2013, was marked by a La Liga title and a Copa del Rey victory. However, his relationship with several players, including captain Iker Casillas, deteriorated towards the end.

Ferguson, who announced his retirement from Manchester United after a successful career that included multiple Premier League titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies, confirmed that he had offered Mourinho the managerial position. He recounted, "I sat him down and explained the situation. He seemed to accept, but then everything changed within hours."

A Heartfelt Decision

Mourinho expressed that he was honored by Ferguson's offer but ultimately chose to rejoin Chelsea, stating he needed to feel appreciated after a challenging period in Spain. Ferguson recalled a poignant phone call with Mourinho, who was emotional and said, 'I cannot take it; I have given my word to Chelsea, and I won't break it.' Ferguson admitted he understood Mourinho's reasoning but felt disappointed.

Reflecting on his choice to return to Chelsea instead of taking the Manchester United role, Mourinho stated he has no regrets, emphasizing that it was a decision made from the heart. He quoted Nietzsche, saying, "When you do something for love, you are never doing anything wrong." He acknowledged the weight of returning to Chelsea, aware of the legacy he had built.

Mourinho's Impact at Chelsea and Manchester United

During his initial tenure at Chelsea from 2004 to 2007, Mourinho ended the club's 50-year wait for a top-flight league title, winning the Premier League in both 2004 and 2005. In his second spell from 2013 to 2015, he again clinched the Premier League title in the 2014-15 season but was dismissed by owner Roman Abramovich following a poor start to the 2016-17 season.

Mourinho later took charge of Manchester United in 2016, where he led the team to victory in the UEFA Europa League and the League Cup during his 2.5-year tenure.