‘I Don’t Regret It’Mourinho Reveals Why He Turned Down Succeeding Ferguson At Man United
‘I Don’t Regret It’Mourinho Reveals Why He Turned Down Succeeding Ferguson at Man United Jose Mourinho has revealed that he initially agreed to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager in 2013 before making a dramatic U-turn and choosing to return to Chelsea. The Portuguese manager disclosed the long-rumoured story in a new Netflix documentary about his career, explaining that he had already agreed to take over at Old Trafford after Ferguson announced his retirement. Mourinho, who was managing Real Madrid at the time, ultimately changed his mind because of his strong emotional connection with Chelsea. Ferguson retired at the end of the 2012/13 season after guiding Manchester United to another Premier League title. With one of the most successful managerial careers in football history coming to an end, United needed a successor capable of handling the enormous pressure of replacing the Scot. Mourinho was among the most prominent candidates.
The former Chelsea boss has now confirmed that he had actually agreed to take the job. “When I left Real Madrid, I signed to go to Manchester United after Sir Alex,” Mourinho revealed in the documentary. The revelation confirms years of speculation surrounding the possibility of Mourinho taking over immediately from Ferguson. Despite agreeing to the Manchester United job, Mourinho eventually decided that his heart was elsewhere. He chose to return to Chelsea, the club where he had enjoyed one of the most successful periods of his managerial career. Mourinho’s relationship with Chelsea supporters had remained strong even after his first spell at Stamford Bridge ended in 2007. The Portuguese manager had previously guided Chelsea to two Premier League titles during his first spell and returned to the club in 2013. He explained that his decision was driven by emotion rather than a lack of ambition.
Mourinho admitted that missing the opportunity to become Ferguson’s immediate successor was a significant moment in his career. However, he insists he has no regrets about choosing Chelsea. “For me to lose the chance to be the coach that succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson was dramatic,” Mourinho said.
“But I don’t regret it, because it was a decision I made with my heart.”
The comments underline just how much Mourinho valued his relationship with Chelsea at the time. According to the documentary, Ferguson had expected Mourinho to take over at Old Trafford.
Mourinho eventually contacted the legendary Scottish manager to tell him he had changed his mind. The conversation was reportedly emotional, with Mourinho breaking down as he explained his decision. Ferguson was disappointed but understood the reasons behind Mourinho’s choice. Manchester United subsequently appointed David Moyes as Ferguson’s successor. Although Mourinho rejected the opportunity in 2013, he eventually became Manchester United manager three years later. He was appointed in 2016 and enjoyed a relatively successful first season, winning the League Cup, Europa League and Community Shield. Mourinho also guided United to second place in the Premier League during the 2017/18 season, their highest finish since Ferguson’s retirement.However, his time at Old Trafford eventually ended in December 2018 after a difficult run of results and growing tension within the club. Mourinho’s latest revelation offers a fascinating alternative history of Manchester United. Had he accepted the job permanently in 2013, the club’s post-Ferguson era could have taken a completely different direction.
Instead, United appointed Moyes, followed by Louis van Gaal before Mourinho eventually arrived three years later. Mourinho’s decision also allowed him to return to Chelsea, where he won another Premier League title in the 2014/15 season.
