Jose Mourinho confirms agreement to become Manchester United manager

Manchester United’s history is filled with managerial what-ifs, from appointments that never happened to decisions that could have completely changed the club’s direction.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 remains one of the biggest turning points in the club’s modern history, with David Moyes eventually taking over at Old Trafford.

However, according to Jose Mourinho, United could have had a very different successor waiting in the wings.

Mourinho has now revealed that he had actually agreed to become Manchester United manager after Ferguson’s retirement, before making a dramatic U-turn.

The Portuguese coach says his decision was driven by his emotional connection with Chelsea, despite knowing how significant the opportunity at Old Trafford was.

Jose Mourinho confirms Manchester United managerial agreement

Speaking in his upcoming self-titled documentary, which is set to premiere on Netflix tomorrow, Mourinho opened up about the decision that ultimately delayed his arrival at United by three years.

“I go to Chelsea in 2013, but in that period there is something that nobody knows.

“I think I can say because I don’t hurt anyone with the truth and I think the objective of this work we are doing is to tell the truth.

“When I left Real Madrid, I signed with Manchester United to go to Manchester United after Sir Alex.

“I was, of course, very flattered, because Man United has an incredible appeal.

“When I say Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world, I have to say that Man United is very, very close.

“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 am loved.

“For me to lose the chance to be the coach that succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson was dramatic.

“But I don’t regret it, because it was a decision that I made with my heart.

“And I think it is nature that says that when you do something for love, you are never doing anything wrong. I think it is nature. I did it for love.”

The revelation means Ferguson apparently believed he had already found his successor before the situation changed within hours.

Jose Mourinho was leaving Real Madrid following a turbulent three-year spell in Spain.

Despite his difficulties with sections of the dressing room, he had still won LaLiga during his second season.

Ferguson recalled just how quickly the situation unravelled.

“He was offered the job, yes. I sat him down and explained the situation.

“And, as far as I was concerned, he was accepting. And then, within hours, it changed.

“Early evening, he phoned me and he was crying.

“And he says, ‘Alex, I cannot take it, I gave my word to Chelsea and I am not going to break my word.’

Jose Mourinho returned to Chelsea in 2013, leaving United to appoint Moyes instead.

It would eventually take until 2016 for the Portuguese manager to finally walk through the doors at Old Trafford, three years after Ferguson had expected him to take the reins.

His eventual United tenure lasted from 2016 until 2018 and produced three trophies: the UEFA Europa League, EFL Cup and Community Shield, all won during his first season in charge.

The Special One is back at Real Madrid for a second stint this season.

The story adds another fascinating chapter to United’s post-Ferguson history, while Mourinho’s decision shows just how close the club came to taking a completely different path after Ferguson’s retirement.