Sir Alex Ferguson confirms David Moyes was not the number one choice to replace him at Man Utd

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FT Desk

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that another high-profile manager was set to replace him at Manchester United before David Moyes was appointed.

The legendary Scot retired from football following the conclusion of the 2012/2013 Premier League season, having served the Red Devils for 26 years. Before the final day of the season, it was confirmed that Moyes would be taking over, and when the last fixture was over at Old Trafford, he requested that the supporters get behind his compatriot when he made the switch from Everton.

However, Ferguson himself has confirmed that former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho was on the verge of being appointed before he changed his mind, instead opting for a return to Stamford Bridge after leaving Real Madrid.

Speaking in a new Netflix documentary about his life and career, Mourinho confirmed: "When I left Real Madrid, I signed to go to Manchester United after Sir Alex.

Ferguson said the Portuguese was "offered the job".

"I sat him down and explained the situation," he added. "As far as I was concerned, he was accepting. And then, within hours, it changed."

Ferguson, whom the Man Utd board charged with recommending a successor, was disappointed with Mourinho's decision but understood why.

The 'Special One' - as he dubbed himself after being unveiled as Chelsea boss in 2004 - felt that he needed to return to the Blues due to the connection he had established with the club and its fans in his firt stint in charge.

The 63-year-old says in the documentary that he was "very flattered" to be offered the job "because Manchester United has an incredible appeal".

"But one thing is love for football, another thing is love for a certain club," he explained.

"I think this is more powerful than love for football and fundamentally, after Real Madrid, I needed to feel that I'm loved.

"For me to lose the chance to be the coach to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson was dramatic, but I don't regret [it] because it was a decision that I made with my heart."

As fate would have it, Mourinho would eventually become Man Utd boss following the tenures of Moyes and then Louis van Gaal.

The Portuguese lasted two full seasons and won the Europa League and League Cup during his time with the Red Devils, but as results worsened on the pitch and his relationship with the board deteriorated off it, he was sacked in 2018.

Fast forward eight years, and he is now back in charge of Real Madrid, 13 years after being sacked.