Murphy has claimed that Mourinho was keen to take the Anfield hotseat, and the former midfielder wishes he had given that he himself was sold to Charlton Athletic during Benitez’s first season at the club.
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But had Mourinho taken the job at Liverpool, it is likely he would not have been considered by the Glazer family to replace Louis van Gaal this summer, such would have been his ties to United’s closest rivals.
Danny Murphy has claimed Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho was “massively disappointed” when Liverpool made a decision to appoint Rafael Benitez instead of him. And Danny Murphy seems to have stated the same as he talked to TalkSport.
“When Benitez was appointed at Liverpool, it was between him and Mourinho”.
When asked if he would have liked to play for Mourinho, Murphy told talkSPORT: “Well, strangely, I almost did!”
Danny Murphy says he “knows for a fact” that Jose Mourinho was devastated not to be offered the Liverpool job after the sacking of Gerard Houllier.
Chelsea then appointed Mourinho and it sparked fierce competition between the two clubs on the European and domestic stage for a number of years. “I know that for a fact”, Murphy said.
Chelsea fans will not be complaining though, as Liverpool’s rejection of the Portuguese ended up being the Blues’ gain as Mourinho went on to win 3 titles over two managerial spells at Stamford Bridge, while also stamping his authority and image in the heart of majority Chelsea fans.
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“I’m gutted too because Benitez came in and didn’t want me”, he joked.
