The secret United‑Mourinho pact that left Ferguson disappointed

In 2013 José Mourinho signed a contract to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager, a deal that remained hidden until a new Netflix documentary revealed the United‑Mourinho pact. The agreement stipulated Mourinho would take over the role in 2013, marking a planned transition after Ferguson's retirement.

Manchester United’s post‑Ferguson era has been marked by a title drought. The brief, ten‑month tenure of David Moyes intensified the club’s urgency to find a long‑term successor.

United's post‑Ferguson search

The Netflix documentary confirmed the contract, which stipulated that Mourinho would replace Ferguson as Manchester United manager in 2013. Mourinho disclosed he signed the agreement after leaving Real Madrid, intending to assume the role before ultimately joining Chelsea.

Mourinho's decision and Ferguson's reaction

United pursued Mourinho because of his proven success at Chelsea, where he secured two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups during his first spell. Such a record offered the promise of ending United’s title drought and restoring prestige.

In the documentary, Mourinho recounts an early‑evening phone call in which he told Ferguson, “I can’t take it – I’ve given my word to Chelsea,” and says he was crying. Ferguson later confirmed the conversation, describing it as a moment when Mourinho expressed his loyalty to Chelsea.

Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he was disappointed, noting he had believed Mourinho was committed to the United job before the last‑minute change. He said he understood Mourinho’s reasons but lamented the lost opportunity to succeed him.

After a brief stint at Real Madrid, Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge, winning another league crown and a League Cup before being dismissed in December 2015. His bond with Chelsea was reinforced by those titles, underscoring his affinity for the club.

Now back in charge of Real Madrid, Mourinho reflected that losing the chance to succeed Ferguson was “dramatic” but he does not regret the decision. He added that acting out of love for a club is never wrong, even if it means forgoing a historic role.