{
  "id": 417881,
  "title": "Mourinho says he agreed to replace Ferguson at Man Utd",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/mourinho-says-he-agreed-to-replace-ferguson-at-man-utd-417881",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-09T23:01:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Sport Football",
    "slug": "bbc-sport-football",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cr7kldj1583o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Jose Mourinho revealed in a Netflix documentary series that he initially agreed to take over as Manchester United's manager in 2013, following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement. However, shortly after accepting the offer, Mourinho changed his mind and opted to return to Chelsea. Ferguson, who had a remarkable 26-year tenure at United, expressed his disappointment that Mourinho did not proceed with the deal. Mourinho explained that his decision was influenced by his desire to feel loved and valued, as well as his commitment to Chelsea, where he had previously won two consecutive Premier League titles. Mourinho's time at United was marked by success, including a third Premier League title and the League Cup during his second spell at the club, lasting from 2016 to 2018. Despite his achievements, Mourinho faced difficulties with Real Madrid's captain, Iker Casillas, which ultimately led to his dismissal.",
  "summary": "David Moyes succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford in 2013 but things could have been so different, Jose Mourinho reveals in a new documentary.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Mourinho says he agreed to replace Ferguson at Man Utd",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/mourinho-says-he-agreed-to-replace-ferguson-at-man-utd-424680",
        "published": "2026-08-09T22:31:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "Mourinho says he agreed to replace Ferguson at Man Utd",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/mourinho-says-he-agreed-to-replace-ferguson-at-man-utd",
        "published": "2026-08-09T23:01:26.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Mourinho reveals he signed to replace Ferguson at Man United before tearfully backing out",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/mourinho-reveals-he-signed-to-replace-ferguson-at-man-united-before",
        "published": "2026-08-10T01:58:59.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Adom Online",
        "title": "Mourinho says he agreed to replace Ferguson at Man Utd",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/mourinho-says-he-agreed-to-replace-ferguson-at-man-utd",
        "published": "2026-08-10T04:55:26.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}