José Mourinho had agreed to become Manchester United manager following Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013 before reversing his decision and returning to Chelsea, according to revelations in a new Netflix documentary focused on the Portuguese coach.
The three-part documentary, titled “Mourinho,” was produced by Ventureland, the company behind “Beckham” and “FIFA Uncovered.” The series looks back at the major achievements, conflicts and defining moments of Mourinho’s long managerial career.
The documentary is scheduled for release on Tuesday as Mourinho prepares for another chapter with Real Madrid after returning to the Spanish club this summer.
A large section of the series examines his first spell at the Santiago Bernabéu. Mourinho managed to interrupt the domestic dominance of Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, but his final season in Madrid became increasingly difficult. His relationship with several members of the squad deteriorated, while his dispute with club captain Iker Casillas became one of the biggest stories surrounding the team.
Real Madrid ended that campaign without winning a trophy, and Mourinho left the club during the summer of 2013. In the documentary, he says Manchester United was originally supposed to be his next destination.
Mourinho says he had agreed to take the Manchester United job
Mourinho explained that the purpose of the documentary was to give an accurate account of what happened during important stages of his career. According to the Portuguese manager, he had reached an agreement to take charge at Old Trafford after leaving Real Madrid.
Sir Alex Ferguson had announced that he would retire at the end of the 2012-13 season, bringing his historic 26-year spell as Manchester United manager to an end.
Ferguson also confirms in the documentary that Mourinho was offered the position. The legendary Scottish coach recalled sitting down with him and discussing the situation, believing at the time that Mourinho had accepted the proposal.
That understanding, however, changed within a matter of hours.
Mourinho acknowledged that Manchester United’s interest meant a great deal to him, but he ultimately chose Chelsea. After a difficult final period at Real Madrid, he said he wanted to return somewhere where he felt valued and appreciated.
Ferguson recalled receiving an emotional phone call from Mourinho later that evening. According to the former United manager, Mourinho explained that he had already given Chelsea his word and did not want to break that commitment.
Ferguson said he understood the reasoning behind the decision, although he was still disappointed that Mourinho would not become his successor at Old Trafford.
Chelsea return came before Mourinho’s eventual United move
Looking back on the choice, Mourinho admitted that giving up the opportunity to directly succeed Ferguson was difficult. Even so, he said he does not regret the decision because it was driven by his personal attachment to Chelsea.
Mourinho described his return to Stamford Bridge as going back home, although he was also aware of the pressure involved. His first spell at Chelsea had created a major legacy, and he did not want his second period at the club to damage what he had previously achieved.
During his original tenure, Mourinho ended Chelsea’s 50-year wait for a league championship by leading the London club to the Premier League title in the 2004-05 season. Chelsea successfully defended the trophy the following campaign, establishing Mourinho as one of the most successful managers in the club’s history.
His second spell also produced another Premier League championship, with Chelsea winning the title in the 2014-15 season. The relationship later deteriorated following a poor run of results, and owner Roman Abramovich dismissed Mourinho for a second time.
Mourinho eventually arrived at Old Trafford in 2016
Three years after turning down the opportunity to immediately follow Ferguson, Mourinho finally became Manchester United manager in 2016.
His spell at Old Trafford lasted around two and a half years. During that period, United won the Europa League and the League Cup, giving Mourinho further major trophies in English football.
The documentary therefore revisits a major alternative path in Manchester United’s history. Mourinho could have taken charge directly after Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, but his emotional connection with Chelsea led him to Stamford Bridge instead before he eventually moved to Manchester several years later.
