Mourinho had deal to succeed Sir Alex at United

The revelation that Jose Mourinho had a deal to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager in 2013 is a fascinating piece of football history that will surely spark a lot of debate among fans. It's a what-if scenario that will have many wondering how things might have turned out if Mourinho had taken the reins at Old Trafford back then. For fans of the sport, this is a tantalizing glimpse into a potential alternate reality, and it's interesting to consider how Mourinho's managerial style might have meshed with the United squad of that era.

This news also provides some context to the complex and often tumultuous career of Jose Mourinho, who has had his fair share of highs and lows in the football world. His decision to renege on the deal and return to Chelsea instead is a testament to the intense pressure and scrutiny that top-level managers face, and the difficult choices they must make. It's a reminder that even the biggest names in the sport are not immune to the whims of fate and the challenges of the beautiful game.

As fans, we'll be watching with interest to see how this revelation affects the public's perception of Mourinho and his legacy in the sport. Will this news change the way we think about his time at Chelsea, or his eventual stint as United manager from 2016 to 2018? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure - this is a story that will continue to generate buzz and debate among football enthusiasts for a long time to come.

Originally reported by espn.com. TourNews adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.