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Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Mon 18 May 2026 7:00, UK

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Manchester United could see any move for Real Madrid star Federico Valverde blocked by Jose Mourinho this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

Los Blancos have faced turmoil behind the scenes in recent weeks with major fallouts between players and staff, leading to growing uncertainty about their star names.

The 27-year-old was involved in a widely-publicised bust-up with Aurelien Tchouameni which ended up with him being taken to hopital, raising questions about his future.

However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Mourinho is keen to keep Valverde at the Bernabeu next season.

That will come as a significant blow to Man United’s transfer plans, with the addition of a new midfielder seen as vital and Valverde ranking high on their list of targets.

Could Man United sign Federico Valverde this summer?

Football Insider revealed on 16 May that Man United are keeping tabs on Valverde in case he becomes available in the wake of the behind-the-scenes issues.

Alongside Tchouameni, the midfielder was handed a €500,000 fine by Real Madrid, and the matter is now believed to have been put behind them.

However, Man United remain hopeful of taking advantage of the uncertainty, although Mourinho’s expected arrival could throw a spanner in the works.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “If he’s allowed to leave Real Madrid this summer, you would imagine most of Europe’s big clubs would be interested.

“Obviously it looks like Jose Mourinho will be returning to the Bernabeu as well. He’ll have a huge role to play in the future of Valverde if he wants him to stick around as well.

“No surprise that Manchester United have been credited with an interest in Valverde.

“Valverde has always indicated that he wants to stay at Madrid and sees them as his dream club and let’s see what Jose Mourinho has got planned.

“I expect Mourinho will be looking to keep hold of Valverde and all of Real Madrid’s other star players, so it could be very difficult to get a deal done.”

Will Jose Mourinho become the next Real Madrid manager?

Real Madrid’s summer transfer plans will largely depend on their next managerial appointment, with Mourinho currently the overwhelming favourite for the role.

Football Insider revealed on 12 May that Benfica are already looking at Marco Silva to replace the boss, as they expect him to accept an offer from Madrid.

Following the end of the season in Portugal, Mourinho was asked about where his future lies, and he confessed he would make a decision next week. [Sky Sports]

Should he decide to make a sensational return to Madrid, the boss is likely to want to keep hold of his best players, with Valverde chief among those.

There has also been speculation surrounding the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, but the new boss will have the final say over their long-term futures.