Mourinho says he changed his mind after agreeing to replace Ferguson at United

Jose Mourinho has said that he changed his mind after agreeing to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United before Everton's David Moyes took the job.

When Ferguson retired in 2013 after 26 years at Old Trafford, helping United win 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups, two Champions Leagues, a European Cup-Winners’ Cup, an Intercontinental Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, he recommended then Everton manager David Moyes be appointed as his successor.

That led to Moyes being labelled 'The Chosen One' by United supporters, who hung a banner saying so at the Stretford End of Old Trafford.

While speaking in a new Netflix documentary series about his career, Mourinho said: "When I left Real Madrid, I signed to go to Manchester United after Sir Alex.”

Ferguson confirmed Mourinho 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."

The reason for Mourinho to change his decision was related to Chelsea's return, where he had won consecutive Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006.

"One night, he phoned me and he was crying 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,” Ferguson said.

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

Mourinho, 63, who would later take charge of United between 2016-18, admitted he was "very flattered" to be offered the job of replacing Ferguson "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."

Mourinho went on to win his third Premier League title after returning to Stamford Bridge as well as the League Cup.

Moyes, meanwhile, was sacked after just 10 months as United manager.