Jose Mourinho Reveals Man United Bombshell After 2013 Chelsea Managerial Decision | OneFootball

Just like the old days, Chelsea have been rattling through managers in recent seasons. The current pick is Xabi Alonso, who is mid/way through his first pre-season. Video Credit: Absolute Chelsea

Jose Mourinho confirmed that he turned down an offer to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in 2013 for a second tenure at Chelsea.

The summer of 2013 brought a significant shift to the Premier League dugout at the time.

The top three finishers in the 2012/13 table, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea, were all simultaneously in the market for new managers.

Ferguson announced his retirement in May 2013 after winning his 13 league titles in 26 years at Manchester United.

Just a few days later, Manchester City sacked Roberto Mancini despite his leading the club to their first-ever Premier League title.

Chelsea, on the other hand, were always expected to appoint a new figure to replace unpopular interim manager Rafael Benitez.

Mourinho, whose departure from Real Madrid was officially announced in late May that year, unsurprisingly became a hot commodity.

On June 3, 2013, Mourinho officially returned to Chelsea on a four-year deal, while Manchester United and Manchester City appointed David Moyes and Manuel Pellegrini, respectively.

Manchester United U-turn for a Chelsea return

Thirteen years later, Mourinho revealed that before joining Chelsea for a second spell, he had already been close to a move to Manchester United.

“When I left Real Madrid, I signed with Manchester United to go to (the club) after Sir Alex,” the Portuguese told Netflix in his new documentary.

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

“When I say Real Madrid are the biggest club in the world… I have to say that Manchester United are very, very close.

“But one thing is love for football, and another thing is love for a certain club.

“I think this is more powerful than love for football.

“And fundamentally, after Real Madrid, I needed to feel that I’m loved.”

Ferguson also confirmed this, adding that he had a conversation with Mourinho, who initially agreed to succeed him.

“He was offered the job, yes,” Ferguson said about Mourinho’s failed Manchester United move in 2013.

“I sat him down and explained, you know, the situation. As far as I was, kind of, concerned, he was accepting.

“And then, within hours, it changed.”

Third Premier League title with Chelsea followed by second sacking

Mourinho eventually got offered another chance to take over at Manchester United in 2016, and this time, he did not change his mind.

Mourinho and Man United finally happened several years after his U-turn. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

This, however, is after spending his two-and-a-half-year second spell at Chelsea, in which he managed to win his third Premier League title for the club in 2014/15.

Mourinho’s second Chelsea sacking came just seven months after winning the league title, which many considered to be harsh.

However, Chelsea lost nine of their 16 league games in 2015/16 under Mourinho, and with the club sitting in 16th place at the time, the hierarchy had to make a decision.

In the official statement, the club stated that Mourinho left the club “on good terms” and “will always remain a much-loved, respected, and significant figure” at Chelsea.

Mourinho might not agree with the first part, but having won three league titles, three League Cups, and one FA Cup for the club, he will undoubtedly remain a respected figure at the club.

His spell at Chelsea’s London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, certainly did not go down well with some fans, but he largely remains a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge.

After spending last season managing Benfica in his home country, Mourinho is now on his second spell at another former club, Real Madrid, following his appointment in June.