Jose Mourinho revealed in a new documentary series, which is streaming from 11 August, that he turned down an offer to take charge of Manchester United. The Portuguese manager, aged 63, admitted the offer was a great honour, particularly given that Manchester United is a club with immense appeal. After leaving Real Madrid, Mourinho wanted to feel loved, and Ferguson’s offer was the pinnacle of that period.
Mourinho in 2013 agreed to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary manager who had spent 26 years at Old Trafford. Ferguson had won 13 titles before stepping down that year, and Mourinho signed with United while still at Real. The situation, however, changed within hours, leading to a sudden turn in his career.
In an interview for the series, Mourinho said he called Ferguson on the phone and was in tears. He explained that he had given his word to Chelsea and would not break it, as he could not turn down a return to that club. Ferguson was disappointed by his potential successor’s decision, yet Mourinho insisted that he made the difficult decision with his heart and does not regret the missed opportunity.
Mourinho finally returned to Stamford Bridge in 2013, where he continued his streak of success. After returning to London, he won his third Premier League title, adding it to the two previous titles he had won in 2005 and 2006. The series details these key moments in his career.
