Jose Mourinho Discloses Secret 2013 Deal to Manage Manchester United
Manchester, 10 August 2026
Jose Mourinho has revealed he signed a contract to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, but tearfully reneged on the agreement to return to Chelsea instead.
A Decision Made with the Heart
The revelation, emerging ahead of a highly anticipated Netflix documentary series scheduled for release on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, has sent shockwaves through the global football community [1][2]. For millions of passionate Premier League fans, including those discussing the beautiful game in community hubs worldwide, this disclosure reshapes the modern history of English football [GPT]. Speaking openly about the secret agreement, Mourinho explained that after leaving Real Madrid in 2013, he formally signed a contract to head to Old Trafford as Sir Alex Ferguson’s hand-picked successor [1][2].
The Emotional Pull of Stamford Bridge
The decision to walk away from Manchester United was deeply emotional for the Portuguese manager, who chose instead to return to Chelsea [1][2]. Reflecting on the dramatic turn of events, Mourinho stated that losing the chance to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson was “dramatic”, but he maintains no regrets because the choice was guided entirely by his heart and a sense of love [1][2]. During his previous tenure at Stamford Bridge, Mourinho had built a legendary status, winning two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and two League Cups [2]. Returning to West London was a homecoming driven by a deep sense of responsibility to protect and build upon that historic legacy [2].
The Emotional Call to Sir Alex
The mechanics of how the deal fell apart reveal the intense human pressure behind elite football management. Sir Alex Ferguson recalled that Mourinho initially accepted the position after a face-to-face explanation of the situation, only for things to change within hours [1]. Ferguson recounted a poignant phone call from Mourinho early one evening, noting that the Portuguese coach was crying as he explained his dilemma [1][2]. According to Ferguson, Mourinho told him, “Alex, I can’t take it. I’ve given my word to Chelsea and I’m not going to break my word.” [1][2] Although disappointed, Ferguson understood the loyalty that prompted the reversal [2].
A Legacy of Revenge and Passion
The documentary also sheds light on the fierce competitive drive that has defined Mourinho’s career, including his complex relationship with former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich [1]. Mourinho admitted that a subsequent match against Chelsea was fueled by a desire for personal revenge after being sacked by Abramovich, noting the satisfaction of leaving the pitch happy while the owner left upset [1]. “Football belongs to people like me,” Mourinho asserted, emphasizing that the game ultimately belongs to the players, coaches, and fans rather than corporate “intruders” [1].