Jose Mourinho has disclosed that he came close to becoming Manchester United manager in 2013 before ultimately returning to Chelsea, a detail he described as something nobody had previously known. The revelation came in a preview clip from an upcoming Netflix documentary about his life in football, which is set to air on August 11.
A Secret Chapter in Mourinho's Career
Mourinho, who has coached Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Manchester United at various points, said the opportunity arose when Sir Alex Ferguson was stepping down after 27 years at Old Trafford. His managerial career first captured global attention when he led FC Porto to the UEFA Champions League title in 2004, a feat that earned him a move to Chelsea shortly afterwards.
In the documentary, Mourinho revealed: “I went to Chelsea in 2013, but in that period there is something nobody knows… When I left Real Madrid, I signed to go to Manchester United after Sir Alex.” This marks the first time Mourinho has publicly discussed this near-miss, which occurred during a pivotal moment in Premier League history.
Loyalty to Chelsea Proved Decisive
Despite acknowledging the enormous draw of United, Mourinho said his emotional connection to Chelsea ultimately proved decisive. He described his respect for both clubs but explained that he needed to feel wanted at a personal level after his time at Real Madrid. “I was, of course, very flattered, because Manchester United has an incredible appeal. When I say Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world, I have to say that Manchester United is very, very close,” he added.
“But one thing is love for football, and 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'm loved,” he continued. This emotional reasoning highlights the personal factors that often influence managerial decisions at the highest level.
Sir Alex Ferguson Confirms the Account
Ferguson corroborated the account, recalling a phone call in which a visibly emotional Mourinho told him he could not go back on a commitment he had already made to Chelsea. “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,” Ferguson said in the documentary.
This confirmation from Ferguson adds weight to Mourinho's story, showing that the conversation was real and significant. The mutual respect between the two managers is evident, even as Ferguson expressed his disappointment at missing out on Mourinho as his successor.
The Road to Old Trafford
As noted by The Guardian, Mourinho's path to United eventually came three years later than that conversation. After leaving Chelsea for the second time in 2015, he was appointed United manager in 2016. During his two years at Old Trafford before his departure in 2018, he guided the club to the FA Cup, the League Cup and the UEFA Europa League.
In total, Mourinho managed United for 144 matches, winning 84 of them, a win rate of 58.3%. His tenure brought silverware but also controversy, and he ultimately left the club in December 2018 after a poor run of form.
Mourinho's Impact and Legacy
Mourinho's career has been marked by success at multiple clubs, including two Champions League titles with Porto and Inter Milan, and three Premier League titles with Chelsea. His decision to prioritize loyalty over ambition in 2013 is a rare insight into his decision-making process, revealing a deeply personal side to a manager often portrayed as pragmatic.
The upcoming Netflix documentary promises more revelations about his life and career, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at one of football's most successful and controversial figures. The documentary is scheduled to be released on August 11, and this preview has already generated significant buzz among football enthusiasts.
