{
  "id": 439122,
  "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",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-10T04:55:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Adom Online",
    "slug": "adom-online",
    "url": "https://www.adomonline.com/mourinho-says-he-agreed-to-replace-ferguson-at-man-utd/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Jose Mourinho disclosed in a recent Netflix documentary that he had agreed to take over as Manchester United's manager in 2013, after Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down, but ultimately decided to remain with Chelsea instead. Ferguson himself confirmed Mourinho's appointment, but acknowledged that he had convinced Mourinho to reconsider joining Chelsea. The potential switch was short-lived, as Mourinho's heart was drawn back to Chelsea following a phone call from his former boss, who was upset about his decision to leave. Mourinho expressed disappointment over his inability to accept the United job, but maintained that his decision was ultimately driven by his desire to be appreciated at a club of significant importance.",
  "summary": "After years of speculation, Jose Mourinho has confirmed that he agreed to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in 2013, before changing his mind and re-joining Chelsea instead. “When I left Real Madrid, I signed to go to Manchester United after Sir Alex,” the 63-year-old coach – now back at Real for a second […]",
  "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": "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"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}