Multiple sources including Spain’s AS and the UK’s Daily Mirror report that Manchester United, currently in a tough spot, are preparing to reinforce their squad during the upcoming winter transfer window. Manager José Mourinho is eyeing Real Madrid midfielder Isco, who could potentially replace Wayne Rooney in the No. 10 role. According to British media, Isco is seen as a creative force capable of revitalizing United’s midfield.
Cricket Exchange notes that Mourinho initially placed great trust in Rooney at the start of the season, consistently deploying him behind Zlatan Ibrahimović in the No. 10 spot. Mourinho’s strategy counted on Rooney to provide link-up play and orchestrate attacks. As long as United were winning—including a promising three-match Premier League streak—nobody questioned the decision. But following a slump that includes three straight defeats across competitions, Mourinho now finds himself under fire, and Rooney’s performances have drawn heavy criticism. Some fans have even gone so far as to call for Rooney’s retirement, reflecting the growing dissatisfaction among supporters.
According to The Sun, Mourinho himself is reportedly frustrated with Rooney’s form and is considering dropping him from the starting lineup in the upcoming clash against Leicester City. Club legend Paul Scholes and other pundits have also weighed in, noting the midfield lacks a true playmaker to complement Paul Pogba. AS reports that Mourinho is pushing for Isco to arrive in January, seeing the Spanish midfielder as the creative solution United urgently needs.
Cricket Exchange highlights that while Isco joined Real Madrid for €30 million, he has struggled to secure a regular starting role at the Bernabéu. Currently sidelined with an ankle injury, Isco finds himself behind Marco Asensio and Lucas Vázquez in the pecking order. With James Rodríguez also rediscovering his form, Isco’s playing time continues to dwindle. Given these circumstances, Mourinho’s offer may be exactly what the former Golden Boy winner needs to reignite his career.
Should he move to Old Trafford, Isco would likely slot straight into the attacking midfield role that has defined much of his playing style—something he rarely gets the chance to do at Madrid. His current contract is set to expire this summer, and both The Mirror and Cricket Exchange estimate his market value at around £25 million (approximately €29 million), a figure well within reach for United as they seek midfield reinforcements.
Cricket Exchange believes that Mourinho’s pivot away from Rooney in favor of Isco marks a decisive moment in United’s rebuild—a move that could shift the balance in the Premier League race if the Spanish playmaker lives up to expectations.