Jose Mourinho signed a contract to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in 2013 [1], according to a Netflix documentary.
The revelation provides new insight into one of the most pivotal managerial transitions in Premier League history. It clarifies why Mourinho eventually returned to Chelsea despite an apparent agreement to lead the club at Old Trafford.
According to the documentary released this week [2], Mourinho had reached a formal agreement to take over the manager's seat following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013 [1]. The deal would have placed Mourinho in charge of Manchester United years before he eventually joined the club in a later tenure.
However, Mourinho reneged on the agreement [1]. Reports said he changed his mind due to personal preference and emotional difficulty [3]. He reportedly called Ferguson in tears when informing him of the decision [4].
Instead of moving to Manchester, Mourinho opted to re-join Chelsea [3]. This decision shifted the trajectory of both clubs during a period of significant instability for Manchester United following the Ferguson era.
While Mourinho did eventually manage Manchester United later in his career, the documentary said that the opportunity existed much earlier than previously known to the public [1]. The secret agreement remained undisclosed until the release of the footage on Monday [2].
“Mourinho signed a contract to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in 2013”
This disclosure suggests that Manchester United's struggle to find a stable successor to Sir Alex Ferguson was not merely a result of failed negotiations, but a collapsed agreement with a top-tier manager. It underscores the emotional volatility and personal loyalties that often drive high-profile coaching decisions in professional football.
