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United bombshell: Mourinho had a deal to replace Fergie - and backflipped
SEN • August 10th, 2026 5:00 pm
When it comes to sliding doors moments this could be one of the biggest in recent memory in the Premier League.
Ahead of his Netflix documentary release this week, Jose Mourinho has revealed he had a deal in place to take over from Sir Alex Ferguson when the Scot retired 13 years ago.
So what happened to it?
It seems that despite accepting an offer to take over from the legend that is Ferguson at Man United, Mourinho backflipped, opting instead to return to Chelsea six years after his initial stint at the helm.
David Moyes was subsequently hired to take over at Old Trafford – an ill-fated decision which lasted just nine months.
“When I left Real Madrid I signed with Manchester United to go to Manchester United after Sir Alex,” Mourinho said in the new documentary.
“I was of course very flattered because Man Utd has an incredible appeal. When I say Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world I have to say that Man Utd is very, very close. But one thing is love for football, 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 am loved.
“For me to lose the chance to be the coach to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson was dramatic, but I don’t regret, because it was a decision that I made with my heart. I think that it is Nietzsche that said when you do something for love you are never doing anything wrong. I did it for love.”
Mourinho won the league with Chelsea in the 2014-15 season but was sacked the following season – only then did he make his way to Old Trafford where he replaced Louis van Gaal.
“He was offered the job, yes,” Ferguson confirms in the documentary.
“I sat him down and explained the situation and as far as I was concerned he was accepting. 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.”
United have struggled in the 13 years since Ferguson’s retirement with 11 permanent and interim managers having a go at steadying the ship.
Former player and caretake manager Michael Carrick is currently in charge for a second stint.
