Why Jose Mourinho refused to sign the one player Sir Alex Ferguson told him to bring to Man Utd

Jose Mourinho rejected Sir Alex Ferguson's transfer advice during his time as Manchester United manager.

Back in 2016, former Inter Milan, Chelsea and Real Madrid manager Mourinho was confirmed as United boss after Dutchman Louis van Gaal was sacked on the back of winning the FA Cup.

During his time at Old Trafford, the 'Special One' led the club to the FA Community Shield, the League Cup and the UEFA Europa League.

As United's greatest manager of all time, Ferguson urged Mourinho to bring in midfielder Dele Alli, a piece of advice that the Portuguese ended up ignoring.

During an episode of Amazon's 'All or Nothing' series, Mourinho, who was Tottenham Hotspur manager at the time, was speaking to club chairman Daniel Levy about Alli.

He said: "I told already Dele very directly that he doesn't train well, he is not a good trainer. I am not saying a disaster, but I am not saying Harry Kane. Harry Kane is a very good trainer.

"Sir Alex Ferguson gave me only one bit of advice in two and a half years: Buy Dele Alli. 'That guy, with that mentality, the way he plays, the aggression he has in mind. This guy is the Manchester United player. Buy Dele Alli'."

Mourinho added: "And he [Ferguson] has an eye for a player. But he [Alli] is not a good trainer, we need to find motivation for the guy."

Alli rose to prominence at MK Dons, where he starred in their 4-0 win over Man United in the EFL Cup back in 2014.

He joined Spurs after impressing in League One and shone in the Premier League before falling down the pecking order.

Alli then left North London for Everton in 2022 but his time at Goodison Park was badly hampered by injuries and a major dip in form.

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On Tuesday, it was reported that Alli could make his long-awaited return to football at Everton.

According to Sky Sports' Alan Myers, he heard that things are going well behind the scenes for the star midfielder.

He wrote on social media: “I believe he’s all good and is closer to having some game time (U21’s) etc only what I’ve heard.

“As far as I’m aware a deal has been agreed in principle but that will only kick in once he’s fit and ready to play.”