Off the PitchThe GuardianUnverified source· 9 Aug 2026
Mourinho: I Signed United Deal in 2013, Then Backed Out
In a new Netflix documentary, José Mourinho reveals he signed a contract to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United—then reneged.
José Mourinho
coach
Who
José Mourinho
What
Signed contract to succeed Ferguson, then backed out
When
2013
Where
Manchester United
What happened. José Mourinho has revealed he signed a contract to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager in 2013, but tearfully reneged to return to Chelsea.
- Ferguson confirms the story in a new Netflix documentary.
- Mourinho's revelation comes after Ferguson's retirement in 2013.
- The deal was for Manchester United, but he chose Chelsea instead.
“I signed a contract to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson, but I reneged on the deal.”
— José Mourinho
The revelation adds new detail to the 2013 managerial transition, with Ferguson's documentary corroborating Mourinho's account.
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