Jose Mourinho has revealed he changed his mind over an agreement to replace Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager in 2013, a decision that ultimately led to David Moyes leaving Everton for Old Trafford. The revelation comes in a new Netflix documentary series about Mourinho's career, released on August 11.
Mourinho's change of heart
Speaking in the documentary, Mourinho, who returned to Real Madrid this summer, said: "When I left Real Madrid, I signed to go to Manchester United after Sir Alex." He admitted being "very flattered" by the offer, given the club's "incredible appeal," but explained his decision to back out: "But one thing is love for football, 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'm loved."
Mourinho added: "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 that I made with my heart." He would later manage United from 2016 to 2018.
Ferguson's account
Ferguson, now 84, confirmed Mourinho was "offered the job." He said: "I sat him down and explained the situation. As far as I was concerned, he was accepting, and then, within hours, it changed. 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.' The reason he gave to me, I could understand, but I was disappointed."
Moyes' memory
Moyes, now back in charge of Everton for a second stint, recalled his own experience in a 2024 interview with The Rest Is Football podcast. He said he had been contacted by around 10 clubs at the time, but the United offer came as a surprise. He described receiving Ferguson's call while in Altrincham with his wife, having to buy new trousers at Marks and Spencer before visiting Ferguson's house, and being told: "I'm retiring and you're the next manager of Man United."
Moyes added that Ferguson instructed him: "You can't tell your family, just tell your wife." He kept the news from his children, his father, and even Everton chairman Bill Kenwright, saying: "I couldn't tell my Dad, it was terrible. I was more in shock that Alex was retiring."
Moyes, who was named LMA Manager of the Year three times at Everton, left the club without compensation as his contract was running down. He steered Everton to nine top-eight finishes in his first spell, including fourth place in 2005.
