Jose Mourinho agreed to replace Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United boss in 2013 before changing his mind and re-joining Chelsea.
The mission of succeeding Ferguson at Old Trafford was one of the most sought after jobs in world football at the time and eventually went to David Moyes, supposedly on Ferguson’s say-so.
But it has now emerged the Scot wasn’t first choice with Mourinho initially accepting the role, only to have a late change of heart.
Speaking as part of the new Mourinho documentary on Netflix, which airs on Tuesday, the Portuguese confirmed: “I go to Chelsea in 2013. But in that period, there is something that nobody knows…
“I think I can say because I don’t hurt anyone with the truth. And I think the objective of the work that we are doing is to tell the truth. When I left Real Madrid, I signed with Manchester United to go to Manchester United after Sir Alex.”
Ferguson confirms Mourinho was first choice
Ferguson, who won 13 Premier League titles over 26 years at United, was heavily involved in choosing his successor and confirmed: “He was offered the job, yes.
“I sat him down and explained the situation. As far as I was concerned, he was accepting. And then, within hours, it changed.”
Mourinho was coming off a fractious spell at Real Madrid and had the choice between United and a return to Chelsea, where he remained a hero after winning the Premier League in 2005 and 2006.
Ferguson said: “One night, 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.”
I did it for love – Mourinho on decision to re-join Chelsea
Mourinho’s second spell at Stamford Bridge was not as groundbreaking as his first but he still clinched a third Premier League title.
He insists he doesn’t regret his decision, adding: “I was of course very flattered because Man 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.
“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.
“For me to lose the chance to be the coach to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson was dramatic. But I don’t regret because it was a decision I made with my heart.
“’I think it is [Friedrich] Nietzsche (the philosopher) who said something that when you do something for love, you are never doing anything wrong. I did it for love.”
Mourinho did eventually end up at Old Trafford in May 2016 but his influence over the game had waned with the likes of Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique and Jurgen Klopp changing the face of management.
He won the EFL Cup and the Europa League in his first season in charge before being sacked in December 2018.
Mourinho had spells at Tottenham, Roma, Fenerbahce and Benfica before re-joining Madrid this summer.