Mourinho reveals he signed Man United deal in 2013 before joining Chelsea

Jose Mourinho has disclosed a previously unknown agreement to take over as Manchester United manager in 2013, a move that ultimately did not materialize.

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

In his new Netflix documentary, the Portuguese manager revealed that shortly after leaving Real Madrid, he reached a verbal agreement with Manchester United to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson. Mourinho expressed his strong admiration for Manchester United, stating it was "very, very close" to being the "biggest club in the world" after Real Madrid.

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

Sir Alex Ferguson, who retired at the end of the 2012-13 season, corroborated Mourinho's account. He recalled a tearful phone call from Mourinho, who explained he could not accept the United job because he had given his word to Chelsea. Ferguson, though disappointed, understood Mourinho's decision.

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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.’

Mourinho subsequently began his second spell at Chelsea in 2013, while David Moyes was appointed as Ferguson's successor at Manchester United. Mourinho eventually managed Manchester United from 2016 to 2018, winning the Europa League, Carabao Cup, and Community Shield during his tenure.

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The reason he gave to me I could understand, but I was disappointed.