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Football

22nd Oct 2018

José Mourinho responds to rumours linking him with return to Real Madrid

With Julen Lopetegui on the brink of being sacked by Real Madrid, José Mourinho gave his response to rumours linking him with a return

Reuben Pinder

Sorry, United fans, but he’s not interested

With Julen Lopetegui on the brink of being sacked by Real Madrid, the rumour mill is in full flow, as every big name in management becomes linked with the job.

The currently available Antonio Conte, who left Chelsea at the end of last season, is favourite to take over from Lopetegui according to some reports. While others suggest former Real Madrid player Santi Solari will step in for the rest of the season before Madrid try to recruit Mauricio Pochettino from Tottenham next summer.

And of course, José Mourinho’s hat has been thrown in the ring too. The Manchester United boss took the reins at the Bernabeu between 2010 and 2013, winning one league title but failing to win the Champions League.

Inevitably, he ruffled a few feathers during his time there, making a series controversial decisions, most notably dropping club legend and captain Iker Casillas.

In his pre-match press conference this afternoon, Mourinho put to bed any rumours suggesting that he could take over from Lopetegui.

“No, I’m happy here. I’m happy to see out my contract. I would like to stay after my contract at Manchester United,” he said.

He also confirmed that Alexis Sánchez will play no part in Manchester United’s clash against Juventus on Tuesday night, but gave no real explanation as to why.

“The players you saw are the players available. Nothing to hide. Alexis is out,” he said.