New Netflix series confirms Mourinho had agreed to become Man Utd manager in 2013 before U-turn
A new documentary series confirms long-standing rumours that Jose Mourinho agreed to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in 2013, only to reverse the decision within days, paving the way for David Moyes' appointment. The series launches on Netflix on 11 August.
A new documentary series on Jose Mourinho's career, arriving on Netflix from 11 August, confirms years of speculation about how Manchester United came close to appointing the Portuguese coach in 2013 before the deal collapsed at the last moment.
According to sources who spoke to BBC Sport, negotiations to secure Mourinho as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor had been under way for weeks, with meetings held in both Madrid and London. Ferguson himself surprised Mourinho by revealing he intended to step down at the end of the 2012-13 season. Terms were quickly agreed — and then just as quickly fell apart, with the reversal reportedly taking place over a matter of days.
Family ties and a promise to Chelsea
In the documentary, Ferguson recalls Mourinho phoning him in tears, saying he could not break his word to Chelsea. Mourinho cited family reasons at the time, having a family home in London and having previously promised to return there after being sacked by Chelsea in 2007. Some within Manchester United remain sceptical that this was the full story, pointing also to his close relationship with Chelsea's then-owner Roman Abramovich.
The fallout
With Mourinho out of the running and Pep Guardiola committed to Bayern Munich, United turned to David Moyes, who was unveiled as 'The Chosen One' but lasted less than a full season before being sacked.
Mourinho eventually did take charge of Manchester United, from 2016 to 2018, but by then both the squad and the manager himself had changed significantly from 2013. During his tenure, United won the Europa League and EFL Cup and qualified twice for the Champions League, including finishing second on 81 points — still the club's best post-Ferguson Premier League tally. However, fallouts with players such as Paul Pogba and disputes with the club's hierarchy over transfer decisions ultimately led to his departure.
Sources believe that had Mourinho taken over directly from Ferguson, United would likely have avoided transfer missteps such as the delayed and costly signing of Marouane Fellaini and the collapse of a deal for Thiago Alcantara, and might have got more out of the experienced squad Ferguson left behind.
