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Jose Mourinho has disclosed that he signed an agreement to become Manchester United manager after Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, but then emotionally backed out and went back to Chelsea instead.

The football world was stunned when the legendary Scot announced his retirement after guiding United to a 13th Premier League title during an era of unmatched success at Old Trafford.

United have not managed to reclaim their place at the summit of English football since Ferguson stepped down, and his successor David Moyes was dismissed after just 10 months in the role.

Mourinho was eventually appointed later, spending two and a half years in charge from 2016, but he has now revealed in a new Netflix documentary about his life that he had previously agreed to take the job much earlier.

“I go to Chelsea in 2013 but in that period there is something nobody knows,” the Portuguese said in ‘Mourinho’.

“I think I can say because I don’t hurt anyone with the truth, and I think the objective of this work that we are doing is to tell the truth.

“When I left Real Madrid, I signed with Manchester United to go to Manchester United after Sir Alex.”

Mourinho added: “I was, of course, very flattered, because Manchester United has an incredible appeal.

“When I say Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world, I have to say that Manchester United is very, very close.

“But one thing is love for football, and another thing is love for a certain club.

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

Ferguson, who is among the football figures interviewed in the new documentary, said he believed Mourinho was set to accept the offer before the situation changed within hours.

“Early evening he phoned me and he was crying,” the former United manager said. “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’.

“The reason he gave to me I could understand, but I was disappointed.”

Mourinho had built a strong connection with Chelsea after leading the club to two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and two League Cups during a memorable first spell.

The Portuguese put aside his differences with owner Roman Abramovich to return to Stamford Bridge after leaving Real Madrid, and he went on to win another league title and a League Cup before being sacked in December 2015.

“For me to lose the chance to be the coach to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson was dramatic, but I don’t regret because it was a decision that I made with my heart,” Mourinho, now back in charge of Real Madrid, said.

“And I think it is nature that says something that when you do something for love, you are never doing anything wrong. I think it’s nature. I did it for love.

“I went back with the feeling of, yes, I go home, but with big responsibility because what I did before is history, and you don’t want to destroy your legacy.”