{
  "id": 426857,
  "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",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-10T01:58:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/sports/2026/08/10/mourinho-reveals-he-signed-to-replace-ferguson-at-man-united-before-tearfully-backing-out/230764"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Jose Mourinho disclosed that he signed a contract with Manchester United in 2013 to replace Sir Alex Ferguson, but later tearfully withdrew from the deal and returned to Chelsea, according to PA Media/dpa. The news sent shockwaves throughout the football world. Ferguson, one of the most successful managers in the sport, had overseen a record-breaking 13 Premier League titles during his tenure at Old Trafford. Since his retirement, United failed to recapture their former dominance, with David Moyes quickly sacked after just ten months in charge. Mourinho's return to Stamford Bridge came after a highly successful first spell leading the club to two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and two League Cups. However, his decision to abandon the opportunity to manage the world's most famous club remains a source of personal regret. In a new Netflix documentary, Mourinho explained that while he was flattered by the offer and the club's prestige, his primary motivation was a desire to feel loved and respected. Ferguson, interviewed for the documentary, admitted he was under the impression Mourinho was accepting the position, only to be blindsided by Mourinho's sudden withdrawal hours later. The former United manager expressed disappointment but acknowledged the importance of keeping his word to Chelsea. Mourinho's decision to prioritize his personal feelings over a once-in-a-lifetime managerial opportunity will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most dramatic moments in recent football history.",
  "summary": "LONDON, Aug 10 — Jose Mourinho has revealed he signed a contract to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "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": "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."
}