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Jose Mourinho targets new Man United star for Fenerbahce with Jadon Sancho deal unlikely

Originally posted on HITC | By Adnan Riaz | Last updated Jul 8, 2025 12:01 PM ET

Jose Mourinho has reportedly set his sights on a Manchester United player for his Fenerbahce project, with fresh reports from Turkey outlining a transfer strategy already in motion.

The 62-year-old, who managed United between 2016 and 2018, has been with Fenerbahce since 2024, having taken the role after a brief spell away from management following his exit from Roma.

Mourinho’s arrival came after a spell out of work following his dismissal by Roma in January 2024. He waited several months before accepting the Fenerbahce role in June of that year.

The 2024-25 campaign was Mourinho’s first full season at the helm. Although his side finished as runners-up to Galatasaray – who claimed the title by an 11-point margin – Fenerbahce secured a place in the Champions League third qualifying round.

Despite falling short of the league title, the club remains optimistic about strengthening the squad, with reports pointing toward a push to bring in new faces, including a potential link with Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford.

Fenerbahce shift their attention to Marcus Rashford after Jadon Sancho move falls through

Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images

Fanatik (via Barca Universal) reports that Fenerbahce are keen to bolster their wide options before the new campaign – and that Marcus Rashford has emerged as a leading target.

The club had previously been linked with Jadon Sancho, but the winger now looks set for Juventus rather than Istanbul. Therefore, Fenerbahce have to consider other options.

One of those is Rashford, who was loaned to Aston Villa midway through the 2024-25 season after losing his place under manager Ruben Amorim. Within 12 months, Amorim promoted a host of United youth products, causing a major shift in the squad hierarchy and even saw Rashford fall out of favour.

Jose Mourinho’s plan to reunite with Marcus Rashford at Fenerbahce

According to Fanatik, Mourinho is hoping to use his past relationship with Rashford to help sway the England international toward a move to Fenerbahce.

The two men worked together at Old Trafford during Mourinho’s tenure, and the now 27-year-old has become increasingly linked with a move away from United.

Fanatik adds that the Fenerbahce boss would look to speak to Rashford directly should the Turkish club begin serious discussions with United.

Rashford’s loan spell at Villa ended on 30 June, with the Premier League side opting against triggering the £40m option to buy.

The forward remains under contract at United until 2028 and has also been linked with a move to Barcelona as uncertainty around his future persists.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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