A new documentary reveals the dramatic near-appointment of Jose Mourinho as Manchester United manager in 2013, succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson. Discussions had been ongoing for weeks, with meetings held in Madrid and London. Ferguson personally informed Mourinho of his decision to step down at the end of the 2012-13 season, leading to swift negotiations. An agreement was reportedly reached for Mourinho to take the helm at Old Trafford. However, the deal collapsed rapidly. Ferguson recounted a phone call where Mourinho, in tears, explained he could not break his word to Chelsea, to whom he had already committed. This emotional decision saw Mourinho return to Stamford Bridge for his second spell, leaving Manchester United to pursue other options for Ferguson's successor. The revelation highlights a pivotal "sliding doors" moment in modern football history.