José Mourinho’s Next Chapter: The Clubs That Make The Most Sense

José Mourinho’s Next Chapter: The Clubs That Make The Most Sense

José Mourinho has parted ways with Fenerbahçe after 14 months of managing the Turkish side. The decision came after Fenerbahçe lost 1-0 to Benfica in the second leg of their Champions League qualifier match, therefore failing to qualify for the competition. Football Park looks at some of the teams that could hire the 62-year-old manager.

🚨 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋: Mourinho has been sacked by Fenerbahçe 😳

After Fenerbahçe’s defeat to Benfica ended their UCL hopes, the Turkish club has made this decision ❌ pic.twitter.com/u75gmD895y

— 433 (@433) August 29, 2025

Manchester United

It’s no secret that Manchester United are in a world of pain right now after losing on penalties to League Two side Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup. This has only added to the pressure already applied onto manager Ruben Amorim, who said after the game that “something has to change” and that “you are not going to change 22 players again.”

Could this be a subtle hint from the current Red Devils boss that he believes his job is under threat, or perhaps he is even thinking about walking away himself? Whatever the case the 40-year-old manager is in a vulnerable position, which opens up the door for Mourinho to make a return to Old Trafford.

Mourinho has already spent two and a half seasons as Manchester United manager, which was from the 2016/17 campaign to the 2018/19 season. When looking at the last 10 years in United’s history it is clear to see that they were at their most successful under the 62-year-old. In his debut season with the club, he won three major trophies in the form of the Community Shield, EFL Cup and the Europa League.

In the following season Mourinho led United to a second-place finish in the Premier League, the Red Devils joint highest finish over the last 10 campaigns. His third and final season with the Manchester based club was cut short after being sacked in December 2018. Mourinho had only managed to win just seven of United’s first 17 Premier League games.

When looking back on the Portuguese manager’s achievements during his first stint with the club, it is a vast difference compared to last season's 15th place finish. Mourinho is one of the best football managers in history and therefore could be what United need to break the curse of the last few seasons.

After all, Mourinho isn’t one to shy away from a challenge, and if Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co. decide to replace Amorim with the 62-year-old, you wouldn’t put it past him to revive the fallen giant of Manchester United.

Mourinho at United: chaos, trophies, and big moments. 🏆
3 trophies in year one, 81 points in year two.
Love him or hate him… Still the most successful post-Fergie manager. 💼🔴 pic.twitter.com/dQSJ8CZELC

— Sammy(fan) (@utd_sammy) August 10, 2025

Rangers

It might be a team that seems farfetched at first, but the more you look at it the more the idea sounds like becoming a reality. Rangers are a club that have been struggling recently, with manager Russell Martin facing increasing scrutiny over the club’s recent performances. The most notable of these is the 9-1 aggregate thrashing received by Club Brugge, with the away leg being a humiliating 6-0 defeat.

The Scottish giants league campaign hasn’t got off on the right foot either, drawing all three of their opening league matches. That already puts Rangers six points behind league leaders Celtic, who have won all three of their opening league games.

Martin hasn’t even been at the helm for three months yet, and already fans are calling for his exit. It would certainly be another challenging project for Mourinho if he were to take the role, as Rangers are expected to fight for the Scottish Premiership title.

The atmosphere and passion of the fans would appeal to any manager, with the Ibrox being a cauldron of noise and commitment through thick and thin. This would also provide a change in scenery for the Portuguese manager, as he has never managed a team from Scotland before.

However the 62-year-old is no stranger to Scotland, as he spent time in the country whilst gaining his UEFA B License. Mourinho completed his coaching license in 2000 with the Scottish Football Association (SFA) at the National Sports Training Centre Inverclyde in Largs.

Perhaps heading to Scotland would be a fitting place for Mourinho to go as he starts to reach the backend of his managerial career. Coaching in the country where he began his managerial journey would provide a cyclical ending to the Portuguese’s career.

“There’s not enough players that really want to fight for each other at the club yet”

Russell Martin reflects on Rangers' 9-1 aggregate defeat against Club Brugge 🗣

🎙@DannyJamieson | 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/ilytIpl3po

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 27, 2025

West Ham

The club that is currently the frontrunner to be José Mourinho’s next job is West Ham. The 62-year-old mentioned in October last year that he would be open to a return to the Premier League, but set out some conditions that needed to be met.

The Portuguese manager said he that would be interested in managing a team that aren’t participating in any European competitions and are near the bottom of the table.

The Hammers certainly fulfil that criteria as they currently sit in the relegation zone and are rock bottom of the table in 20th place. The London based club have lost their opening three games in all competitions, as they lost their EFL Cup match against Wolves 3-2 despite being 2-1 up.

It’s for these reasons that Graham Potter is facing increasing pressure around his future at the club despite only being three matches into the new campaign. A manager of Mourinho’s experience and quality would definitely be welcomed at West Ham, as he has the tactical prowess and ability to transform the performance of the Hammers.

On top of this, Mourinho is known to own a house in London, which will only add fuel to the fire that the Portuguese manager will join the London side.

❌ 3-0 defeat vs. Sunderland
❌ 5-1 defeat vs. Chelsea
❌ 3-2 defeat vs. Wolves

🚨 Do you think Graham Potter should be sacked by West Ham? pic.twitter.com/nIzA7nvyCw

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 26, 2025