Updated: 19 May 2026 09:52 BST |
5 min read
Jose Mourinho is urging Real Madrid to get one over their fierce rivals Barcelona by signing Marcus Rashford from Manchester United this summer, according to stunning reports in Spain.
The Portuguese is on the cusp of replacing Alvaro Arbeloa as Los Blancos’ next head coach, with widespread reports indicating the Benfica manager will sign a two-year deal with the La Liga giants this week.
Mourinho’s imminent return to Real – the club whom he managed between 2011 and 2013, winning three honours – comes after the capital club recorded a second successive season without a trophy.
In anticipation of his announcement as Real’s next manager, there has been plenty of speculation regarding who the 63-year-old will want to sign in his attempts to make the club a force once again.
And now in a shock report from Spanish publication SPORT, who cite The Independent in their story, Mourinho has reportedly told the Real hierarchy he would be interested in reuniting with United winger Rashford at the Bernabeu.
Mourinho and Rashford worked together at the Red Devils between 2016 and 2018, with the pair going on to win the Europa League and League Cup double in the 2016-17 season.
The rumour comes as a major surprise considering Rashford has repeatedly expressed his desire to remain with Real’s Clasico rivals Barcelona, with whom he has spent the 2025-26 campaign on loan.
England international Rashford has played a key role in helping Hansi Flick’s side pip Real to a La Liga and Super Cup double this season, scoring 14 goals in all competitions for the Blaugrana.
However, according to The Athletic, Barcelona’s interest in triggering their option to sign Rashford on a permanent basis for €30million (£26m) has cooled, despite the 28-year-old’s form in front of goal.
A separate report from The Independent last week claimed Barcelona and United were set to reopen negotiations over Rashford’s future, with the Premier League club refusing to rule out another loan agreement.
Rashford wants Barcelona stay but United keep door open
After helping Barcelona clinch their second successive La Liga title with victory over Real this month, Rashford made it clear he wants to remain at the Spotify Camp Nou beyond the end of the season.
Speaking with reporters at full-time, Rashford said: “I don’t know. I’m not a magician but if I was I would stay at Barcelona. We will see.
“Football is unpredictable but for now, I will just enjoy it, live in the moment and reassess at the end of the season and see what is possible.”
Meanwhile, Michael Carrick – who is set to become United’s permanent manager following a fantastic spell as caretaker boss this season – opened the door to the possibility of Rashford staying at Old Trafford.
When asked about Rashford’s long-term future last month, Carrick said: “There’s decisions to be made on certain things, and obviously Marcus is in that situation.
“But at this point in time, nothing’s been decided. It will be, because it has to be at a certain point, but at this stage, there’s nothing to say.”
Related stories:
Build The FIFA World Cup 2026™: LEGO© releases stunning football-inspired collection
Booed at the Bernabeu and sniping at Arbeloa: What comes next for Kylian Mbappe?
Transfer Rumours: Woltemade escape route as director jets in for Chelsea talks
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
•Google Play
•App Store
