Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has revealed that he signed an agreement to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at the club in 2013, before changing his mind and joining Chelsea.

Mourinho made the disclosure in his new Netflix documentary, saying the agreement was reached after he left Real Madrid.

“I go to Chelsea in 2013, but in that period there is something nobody knows.

“When I left Real Madrid, I signed with Manchester United to go to Manchester United after Sir Alex.

“I was, of course, very flattered, because Manchester United has an incredible appeal.

“When I say Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world, I have to say that Manchester United is very, very close,” Mourinho said.

Ferguson, who retired at the end of the 2012/13 season, also featured in the documentary and recalled Mourinho informing him that he would take over before later changing his decision.

“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 going to break my word.’

“The reason he gave to me I could understand, but I was disappointed,” Ferguson said.

Mourinho subsequently joined Chelsea for a second spell in 2013, while Ferguson was replaced by David Moyes at Manchester United.

The Portuguese eventually became United manager in 2016, succeeding Louis van Gaal.

During his two-and-a-half-year spell at Old Trafford, Mourinho won the Europa League, Carabao Cup and Community Shield.

Mourinho revealed that he once reached an agreement to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager before the club ultimately appointed David Moyes.

He said the deal was agreed with Ferguson and the club’s hierarchy, but the plan did not materialise after Ferguson changed his mind and recommended Moyes as his successor.

Tosin Oyediran

Tosin Oyediran is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of professional experience in reporting and storytelling. He is known for conducting incisive interviews and producing compelling human-angle stories that bring clarity and depth to the news. Tosin covers a broad range of beats including politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment, with a strong focus on people-centred reporting. His work reflects firsthand newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a commitment to accurate, engaging, and trustworthy journalism.