What Could Have Been: Unpacking Manchester United’s Missed Opportunity

The revelation that Jose Mourinho was offered, then rejected, the Manchester United managerial job in 2013 is a fascinating footnote to one of the most significant turning points in the club’s history. The Netflix documentary series has shed new light on this episode, and it’s clear that the door swung shut for good.

Behind the scenes, negotiations had been ongoing for weeks, with meetings taking place in Madrid and London. Ferguson stunned Mourinho by telling him he would be standing down at the end of the 2012-13 campaign, leading to a swift reversal in terms. Agreement was reached, only for Mourinho to pull out due to family reasons, leaving United wondering what could have been.

Mourinho’s rejection marked a significant turning point in Manchester United’s history. The club was undergoing a transition from Sir Alex Ferguson’s era, and many felt that Mourinho had the broad shoulders needed to manage this change. His presence would have brought a different structure to the club, one that was sorely needed at the time. Additionally, his positive relationship with Roman Abramovich and Chelsea, as well as family connections in London, adds weight to the argument that he may not have been entirely truthful about his reasons for leaving.

Mourinho’s rejection paved the way for David Moyes to take over, who shared many similarities with Ferguson but lacked the same level of success. This led to a significant decline in performance and a failure to adapt to the changing landscape of English football. In hindsight, it seems clear that Mourinho would have made a more significant impact if he had been given the reins immediately after Ferguson.

The 2016 appointment of Mourinho marked a new era for Manchester United, but one that was vastly different from the initial opportunity. By then, Mourinho had evolved as a manager and the Old Trafford dressing room had undergone significant changes. The club’s expectations were sky-high, and while he did win the Europa League and EFL Cup in his first season, his tenure was marred by controversy and acrimony.

If Mourinho had taken over immediately after Ferguson, it’s likely that he would have brought a level of authority and clarity to the club. His reputation as a shrewd operator in the transfer market suggests he would have been more proactive in executing deals, such as the signing of Thiago Alcantara from Barcelona. Furthermore, his ability to get the best out of his players was evident during his time at Chelsea and later at Manchester United.

Mourinho’s presence would have undoubtedly pushed the experienced players he inherited from Ferguson’s final title-winning squad to perform even better. The dramatic decline that followed Moyes’ appointment only serves to emphasize the potential benefits of having Mourinho in charge. It is clear, however, that this “what-if” scenario can never be fully realized.

The rejection of Mourinho in 2013 was a significant blow to Manchester United, one that they are still trying to recover from. Ferguson’s own account of Mourinho’s tears as he explained why he couldn’t join is a poignant reminder of what could have been. The Netflix documentary series provides valuable insight into this pivotal moment in the club’s history and serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of mismanagement.

Ferguson’s legacy continues to shape Manchester United’s fortunes, but it’s clear that his decision not to offer Mourinho the job had far-reaching consequences. The Scot himself admitted that he was hesitant to let go of control, and his reluctance to adapt to a changing role ultimately led to the decline in performance.

As Manchester United moves forward, they must be mindful of their own vulnerabilities and strive to create a more resilient future.