The story of José Mourinho’s appointment at Manchester United in 2013 represents a pivotal, and ultimately frustrating, moment in the club’s history. Confirmation of this long-held rumour, solidified by the release of a new documentary series on Netflix, has arrived, offering a comprehensive examination of the circumstances surrounding the decision to replace Sir Alex Ferguson. The actual reversal of the decision was swift, one source revealed, a process that reportedly spanned weeks, fueled by meetings between Mourinho and Ferguson. The initial agreement involved a strategic plan, with Ferguson stunning Mourinho – a move that reportedly ignited a considerable sense of animosity within the United squad. Immediately following this, the negotiations shifted to terms, culminating in a formal agreement. However, the agreement wasn’t finalized, a significant point of contention. Ferguson, in a poignant statement, recounted his emotional reaction: ‘One night, he phoned me and he was crying and he says: ‘Alex, I can’t take it. I’ve given my word to Chelsea and I’m not going to break my word.’’ Mourinho cited familial reasons, a key element documented in the documentary, including a family home in London and a previously acknowledged positive relationship with Chelsea’s former owner, Roman Abramovich, which arguably contributed to the situation. It was revealed that, for a brief period, United believed they had secured their man, however, the relationship proved to be a protracted challenge. The documentary details the intense negotiations, the constant pressure from Ferguson, and the subsequent pivot to David Moyes. The Everton boss, who shared Ferguson’s tactical philosophy, presented a different, yet ultimately less successful, approach. The Everton-Man United transition, as detailed in the series, saw Moyes initially regarded as ‘The Chosen One,’ a position Ferguson held in absolute control of the club’s playing landscape – a control that, according to senior United figures, demanded a different structure to the club’s management. The 63-year-old’s long tenure at Manchester United, including a period of success under Van Gaal, highlights the significant difference between the two managers’ approaches. The 18 players who had started 10 or more Premier League games in the 2012-13 season, with David de Gea, Phil Jones, Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling, Michael Carrick, and Antonio Valencia being the notable exceptions, demonstrate the impact of Mourinho’s departure. The series explores the player reactions, revealing that only six – David de Gea, Phil Jones, Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling, Michael Carrick, and Antonio Valencia – were in Mourinho’s first season. The documentary highlights the transfer market, the challenges of retaining key players like Paul Pogba, and the accusations of a failure to back Mourinho, a significant point of contention within the club. It’s estimated that Mourinho would have had a greater impact if he had directly followed Ferguson, with the series emphasizing the need for a new strategic direction and the palpable sense of unease within the team. The documentary also points to the perceived lack of urgency in the transfer window, suggesting that Mourinho would have been more proactive in executing deals, which is a key element of the story. The series’ analysis of the club’s performance during the 2012-13 season demonstrates the dramatic shift from the successful under Moyes to the turbulent under Mourinho. The series also includes insights into the players’ perspectives, revealing that the feeling was that Mourinho would have pushed them, highlighting the significant impact of his presence. The series also touches on the difficulties of the team, with the players themselves highlighting the feeling that Mourinho’s presence would have been a positive change. The final points of the documentary focus on the feeling that Mourinho would have had a greater impact if he had directly followed Ferguson, underscoring the significant change and the ramifications of this pivotal moment in Manchester United’s history. The documentary uses the narrative of Ferguson’s tears to illustrate the impact of Mourinho’s departure on the club, and is ultimately a powerful examination of the club’s history.
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Source: BBC Football
