Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Jose Mourinho broke down in tears during a phone call after deciding not to succeed him as Manchester United manager. Mourinho had initially agreed to take over at Old Trafford when Ferguson retired in 2013, but he changed his mind at the last moment.
Mourinho's Change of Heart
At the time, Mourinho was leaving Real Madrid after a difficult third season at the Bernabeu. Having been out of English football since leaving Chelsea in 2007, the Portuguese coach was available just as Ferguson was ending his 27-year tenure at United.
In the new Netflix documentary 'Mourinho', released on Tuesday (August 11), Ferguson recounted the emotional conversation. He said: "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, had changed."
Why Mourinho Chose Chelsea
Mourinho, who felt betrayed by some Real Madrid players, decided his future lay back at Stamford Bridge. He explained: "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 I am loved."
Despite previous clashes with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, Mourinho believed returning to Chelsea was the right move. However, telling Ferguson was difficult. Ferguson said: "Early evening, 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 gonna break my word'. The reason he gave to me, I could understand, but I was disappointed."
United's Subsequent Struggles
United then appointed David Moyes, whose tenure lasted just 10 months. Louis van Gaal followed, winning the FA Cup in his second season, before Mourinho finally arrived at Old Trafford in 2016.
Mourinho reflected: "For me to lose the chance to be the coach to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson was... dramatic. But I don't regret it, because it was a decision I made with my heart. I think it's [philosopher Friedrich] Nietzsche [who said] that when you do something for something you love, it is never wrong."
Mourinho's second spell at Chelsea brought a Premier League and EFL Cup double in 2015, but he was sacked in December 2018 after a poor start to the season. At United, he won the Europa League and League Cup in his first season but was dismissed in December 2018.
Now, Mourinho has returned to Real Madrid, 13 years after his bitter exit. This could set up a Champions League clash with United, where Michael Carrick would face his former mentor.
