When Jose Mourinho was approached in 2013 to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, the offer seemed like a career‑defining moment. The Portuguese tactician had just guided Chelsea to back‑to‑back Premier League crowns and felt the allure of Old Trafford.
The Phone Call That Changed Everything
However, the deal unraveled when Mourinho realized he could not abandon Chelsea, a club with which he shared a deep emotional bond. He called Ferguson to explain that personal commitments forced him to stay.
The conversation left Ferguson disappointed but understanding, acknowledging that the Portuguese’s loyalty to Chelsea was genuine.
Mourinho later admitted he was 'very flattered' by the United overture, yet he prioritized the connection he had forged at Stamford Bridge, a decision that would shape his next chapter.
A Second Chance at Old Trafford
A few years later, in 2016, United finally turned to Mourinho again, appointing him after Louis van Gaal’s disappointing tenure. He delivered a League Cup and the Europa League before being dismissed in 2018.
His earlier spell at Real Madrid had been equally glittering, capturing La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup in his first two seasons, but a rift with goalkeeper Iker Casillas and other squad members led to an abrupt exit.
Madrid, Casillas and the Fallout
Tensions with Casillas escalated, with the goalkeeper later criticizing Mourinho’s management style, while the coach accused him of a poor attitude and excessive demands.
Chelsea, Abramovich and Revenge
Back at Chelsea, Mourinho’s relationship with owner Roman Abramovich was equally fraught. The Portuguese twice fell out with the Russian billionaire, even using a Champions League clash as a personal vendetta.
Despite the turbulence, his second stint at Stamford Bridge culminated in a third Premier League title and a League Cup, underscoring his ability to turn adversity into silverware.