SpotlightMirror FootballUnverified source· 10 Aug 2026
Mourinho reveals he signed contract to succeed Ferguson at Man United
In a new Netflix documentary, Jose Mourinho admits he once agreed to take over from Sir Alex Ferguson before backing out.
José Mourinho
coach
Who
Jose Mourinho
What
Signed contract to succeed Ferguson at Man United in 2013
When
2013
Where
Manchester United
What happened. Mourinho revealed he had signed a contract to become Manchester United manager in 2013, succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson, but tearfully backed out to return to Chelsea.
- Mourinho eventually managed United from 2016 to 2018.
- David Moyes was sacked after 10 months as Ferguson's successor.
- The revelation comes in his new Netflix documentary 'Mourinho'.
“I go to Chelsea in 2013 but in that period there is something nobody knows.”
— Jose Mourinho
Mourinho's admission sheds new light on United's post-Ferguson struggles and his own career path.
In this story
Manchester UnitedMore to read
The Guardian
José Mourinho reveals he signed contract to succeed Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in 2013
Daily Mail Football
Jose Mourinho makes stunning admission that he AGREED to replace Sir Alex Ferguson as Man United manager in 2013 before making U-turn during emotional phone call with legendary boss
BBC Sport
Mourinho says he agreed to replace Ferguson at Man Utd
Mirror Football
