Mourinho, 63, has opened up on the dramatic tale from 2013 during his new self-titled documentary that will premier on Netflix tomorrow.
Ferguson announced his decision to step down as Man United manager at the end of the 2012-13 season, ending his historic 26-year tenure with the club. Ferguson was looking for his successor after he left the club following a trophy-laden 26 years at the helm, and until now, it was believed that the managerial legend only had eyes for David Moyes. Ferguson was one of the footballing figures interviewed for the new documentary and admits he was under the illusion Mourinho was accepting the offer, only for the situation to change in a matter of hours. Ferguson said: ‘He was offered the job, yes. I sat him down and explained the situation, and as far as I was concerned, he was accepting. And then within hours, it changed.'
Despite seemingly verbally agreeing with Ferguson to become his successor, Mourinho made a dramatic U-turn and instead decided to go back to his former club Chelsea, six years after his initial departure. Mourinho continued: “I was, of course, very flattered, because Manchester 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 that I made with my heart,” Mourinho, now back in charge of Real Madrid, said. “And I think it is nature that says something that when you do something for love, you are never doing anything wrong. I think it’s nature. I did it for love. “I went back with the feeling of, yes, I go home, but with big responsibility because what I did before is history, and you don’t want to destroy your legacy.”