Mourinho says he agreed to replace Ferguson at Man Utd

Jose Mourinho has revealed that he initially agreed to take over as Manchester United manager from Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. However, he ultimately decided against it, opting instead for a return to Chelsea, a club where he had previously enjoyed significant success.

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

In a new Netflix documentary series about his career, the 63-year-old coach, who is now in his second spell at Real Madrid, stated, "When I left Real Madrid, I signed to go to Manchester United after Sir Alex." Ferguson himself corroborated this, confirming, "He was offered the job, yes." Ferguson recounted sitting down with Mourinho to explain the situation, believing he had accepted the role. "As far as I was concerned, he was accepting. And then, within hours, it changed," Ferguson said.

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He was offered the job, yes.

Mourinho explained that his decision was influenced by a deep-seated need to "feel that I'm loved" after his time at Real Madrid. He felt a stronger connection to Chelsea, stating, "I think this is more powerful than love for football and fundamentally, after Real Madrid, I needed to feel that I'm loved." He described the missed opportunity as "dramatic" but expressed no regrets, calling it a decision made "with my heart."

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I sat him down and explained the situation. As far as I was concerned, he was accepting. And then, within hours, it changed.

Following his return to Chelsea in 2013, Mourinho secured his third Premier League title and the League Cup. He later managed Manchester United from May 2016 to December 2018, winning the League Cup and Europa League during his tenure. He then returned to Real Madrid in May of the current year. Mourinho also touched upon his past difficulties with former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and his strained relationship with former Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas during his first stint at the club.

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One night, 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'.