Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Jose Mourinho broke down in tears during a phone call after deciding not to take over as Manchester United manager in 2013. Mourinho had originally accepted the position when Ferguson stepped down, but then changed his mind.
At the time, Mourinho was leaving Real Madrid after a difficult third season. He was available just as Ferguson was ending his 27-year reign at United. Mourinho had long been seen as a possible successor.
Mourinho's Change of Heart
Speaking on Netflix's new 'Mourinho' documentary, airing Tuesday, Ferguson recalled the tearful conversation. "He was offered the job, yes," Ferguson said. "I sat him down and explained the situation and, as far as I was concerned, he was accepting. And then, within hours, had changed."
After feeling betrayed by some players at Real Madrid, Mourinho believed his needs were better met by returning to Chelsea. "I was, of course, very flattered, because Man Utd has an incredible appeal," Mourinho said. "When I say Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world, I have to say that Man Utd 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."
Emotional Phone Call
Ferguson revealed: "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 then appointed David Moyes, whose reign lasted only 10 months. Louis van Gaal followed and won the FA Cup, before Mourinho eventually took charge in 2016.
Mourinho said: "For me to lose the chance to be the coach to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson was...dramatic. But I don't regret I.T., 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 Later Success
Mourinho returned to Chelsea two weeks after leaving Real Madrid. He won the Premier League and EFL Cup with Chelsea in 2015. At United, he claimed the Europa League and League Cup in his first season, but was sacked in December 2018.
Fans may wonder if United's path might have been different had Mourinho taken over in 2013 as planned. Mourinho is now set for a return to Real Madrid, 13 years after his exit, which could set up a Champions League clash with United, where Michael Carrick would face his former boss.
