Jose Mourinho is reportedly advocating for Real Madrid to sign Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford this summer, potentially disrupting a move to their rivals Barcelona, according to reports in Spain. The Portuguese manager is widely expected to be appointed as Real Madrid’s next head coach, poised to sign a two-year deal with the club this week.
Mourinho’s return to the Bernabeu, where he previously managed between 2011 and 2013, comes after Real Madrid finished a second consecutive season without silverware. As he prepares to take the helm, speculation is mounting regarding his transfer targets, and Rashford has emerged as a key name on his list.
Spanish publication SPORT, citing The Independent, claims Mourinho has informed Real Madrid’s hierarchy of his interest in reuniting with Rashford, whom he previously managed at Manchester United between 2016 and 2018. The pair achieved success together, winning the Europa League and League Cup in the 2016-17 season.
This potential move is surprising given Rashford’s public desire to stay with Barcelona, where he has spent the 2025-26 season on loan. The England international has been instrumental in Hansi Flick’s side winning both La Liga and the Super Cup, scoring 14 goals in all competitions. However, according to The Athletic, Barcelona’s enthusiasm for triggering their €30 million (£26m) option to buy Rashford permanently has waned.
Negotiations between Barcelona and Manchester United regarding Rashford’s future are reportedly set to reopen, with United not dismissing the possibility of another loan agreement, as reported by The Independent last week. Rashford himself has expressed his desire to remain at the Spotify Camp Nou, stating after winning the La Liga title with Barcelona, “If I was a magician, I would stay at Barcelona.”
Manchester United’s incoming permanent manager, Michael Carrick, has also indicated a willingness to consider Rashford’s return to Old Trafford, saying, “There's decisions to be made… but at this stage, there's nothing to say.” The situation remains fluid, and Rashford’s future is uncertain, but Mourinho’s intervention could significantly alter the landscape of the transfer.
