When Sir Alex Ferguson retired as Manchester United manager three summers ago, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho was among the top candidates to succeed the Scotsman.
Spanish journalist Diego Torres, in his book, titled ‘Prepare to Lose: the Mourinho Era’ [via The Guardian], claimed that Mourinho was left in tears after being overlooked for the position and felt disappointed by Sir Alex.
“Mourinho … thought that Ferguson was, besides his ally, also his friend and godfather. He was convinced that they were tied by a relationship of genuine trust. He thought that his fabulous collection of titles constituted an ‘endorsement’ unreachable to any other contenders. When he knew that Ferguson had chosen Moyes, the Everton coach, he was struck by a terrible disbelief. Moyes hadn’t won absolutely anything!”
Some may even still be wondering why ‘The Special One’ is not commanding the Old Trafford dugout rather than barking the orders at Stamford Bridge.
However, the Daily Mail claim to know the real reason why Red Devils chiefs decided against appointing the Portuguese manager, and instead choosing David Moyes, then Louis van Gaal.
The British newspaper state that there is a ‘general perception’ that Mourinho does not promote young players – and it is this that saw United search elsewhere for the next boss.
United were said to feel that Mourinho would not continue their tradition of nurturing the youngsters in their academy and bringing them through to the first-team.
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Chelsea currently have 33 players on loan, and arguably only Ruben Loftus-Cheek has a chance of making it into the senior side – though his hopes are slight.
However, having spent no more than three seasons with any one club in his managerial career, perhaps he simply doesn’t stick around long enough to pay attention to those itching for first-team action in the club’s lower ranks.
United may well have been correct in their judgement.