Mourinho’s 2013 Manchester United Appointment: The Ferguson Standoff and a Personal Bet

In a recently released Netflix documentary series, the 63-year-old coach detailed how he ultimately turned down the Manchester United role after initially signing a deal, returning instead to his former club Chelsea.

Mourinho, who is returning to Real Madrid for a second stint, explained that upon departing Real Madrid, he had committed to joining Manchester United following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferguson, who accumulated 13 Premier League titles during his 26-year tenure at Old Trafford, confirmed that he had indeed extended the position to Mourinho.

The manager recounted that, while Ferguson was prepared to accept the offer, a sudden change of circumstances arose within hours, prompting Mourinho to reconsider.

Mourinho’s allegiance to Chelsea became the pivotal factor; he could not accept the role if it meant rejecting his commitment to rejoin the club, where he had previously secured back-to-back Premier League championships in 2005 and 2006.

The former Chelsea manager revealed that he had received a phone call from Mourinho, who was emotional, and stated, “Alex, I can’t accept this. I’ve already given my word to Chelsea, and I will not break that commitment.” However, he acknowledged the rationale behind the decision, though he remained disappointed.

Mourinho, though taken aback by the offer, described being deeply flattered by the selection of Manchester United, noting that the club possesses a remarkable appeal.

Despite his initial acceptance, Mourinho clarified that his dedication to football is tempered by his profound love for a specific organization.

He emphasized that this decision was ultimately a choice driven by emotion, noting that after his departure from Real Madrid, he felt a profound need to be cherished and valued.

Mourinho expressed that giving up the role of succeeding Ferguson was a difficult moment, yet he does not consider it a mistake, acknowledging that the choice was made wholeheartedly.

Following his return to Stamford Bridge in 2013, Mourinho achieved his third Premier League title and also claimed the League Cup.

In May 2016, Mourinho reclaimed his managerial position at Manchester United, succeeding Louis van Gaal.

During his tenure at Old Trafford, which spanned a two-and-a-half-year period, Mourinho claimed both the League Cup and Europa League titles before departing after a period of declining performance in December 2018.

Returning to Real Madrid in May of the same year, Mourinho faced internal conflict, particularly with the club captain Iker Casillas and other players, leading to a contentious final period of his time at the club.

Just before his return to Real Madrid, the combative manager spoke candidly with former Spain goalkeeper Casillas, sharing his perspectives on the underlying tensions that emerged between them.

Mourinho also addressed the difficulties he faced with his former Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich, who had brought him back to the club on two separate occasions before ultimately dismissing him on both occasions.

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