Ex-Premier League Boss Reveals He Was Close to Replacing Jose Mourinho at Man Utd

A former Premier League manager has claimed that he was in the running to become Manchester United boss after Jose Mourinho was sacked.

Back in May 2016, former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan boss Mourinho was appointed United manager, replacing Dutchman Louis van Gaal.

The Special One went on to manage 144 matches, with a record of 84 victories, 32 draws and 28 defeats, which equated to a win rate of 58.33 per cent.

Under the guidance of Mourinho, United won three trophies: the EFL Cup, the FA Community Shield and the UEFA Europa League.

However, in December 2018, following a 3-1 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield, Mourinho was sacked.

The Portuguese was then replaced by United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who impressed during his interim spell and was then given the job permanently.

Jose Mourinho won the UEFA Europa League during his time with Manchester United. Image: Getty

Speaking recently, Red Devils legend and former Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Hull City boss Steve Bruce revealed that he was in the running to replace Mourinho.

Although he admitted he was never 'really close' to getting the job, Bruce touched on being linked with the Old Trafford club.

He said on the SACKED! podcast: "I believe when Ole went in, I was in the frame a little bit, but I think the timing of it, I think the timing I had just left Aston Villa and the timing went against me.

"But I believed I was in the frame then, as far as I know, I wasn’t that close, but I was led to believe that that was the case."

Bruce was then asked: "Would it haunt you, did it haunt you, does it haunt you, that you didn't get the chance or won't get the chance to manage that club? I'm not saying the opportunity has gone past you but.."

The 65-year-old replied: "Oh, it has definitely gone past me. Look, I was privileged to captain the club when it was just starting. To have 10 years in my career at Man U, I would hate to have soured it."

Solskjaer went on to take charge of 168 matches for United, winning 91, drawing 37 and losing 40. He was sacked in November 2021 after a 4-1 defeat by Watford.

Meanwhile, Bruce went on to manage the likes of West Bromwich Albion and Blackpool in recent years. He was sacked by The Seasiders in October 2025.