Stewart Robson: Gareth Bale's time at Real Madrid is limited
Bale's future has been thrown into doubt with Real chasing Monaco wonderboy Klyian Mbappe.
The former Tottenham star has been a long-term United target but Mourinho didn't bother chasing him this summer because he felt the player was happy and settled at the Bernabeu.
But if Mbappe arrives then the Welshman could find himself an unwanted figure.
And ahead of the UEFA Super Cup clash with Real in Skopje, Mourinho was happy to roll out the welcome mat.
He piled the pressure on Real by claiming that if Zinedine Zidane leaves Bale out of his starting line-up it will be a clear signal he no longer wants the £86m player.
He said: “Well if he's playing tomorrow, no I wouldn't think of that (trying to sign him) because he's in the coach's plans and the club's plans, because he also has that motivation to continue at Real Madrid so I haven't even thought about he possibility.
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Man Utd transfer news: Jose Mourinho has confirmed he wants Real Madrid ace Gareth Bale
"If he is not in the club's plans, that with the arrival of another player would mean he was on his way out, I will try to be waiting for him on the other side and fight with other coaches who would want him on their team.
"But if he plays tomorrow, that is the best confirmation that he is wanted by the team."
Mourinho has spent around £160million this summer on Nemanja Matic, Romelu Lukaku and Victor Lindelof.
But the Red Devils boss has been vocal in his desire to land four new faces for the upcoming season.
Mourinho wants a winger, with Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic looking a likely incoming for around £50m.
But negotiations with the Serie A club have dragged on and United are now considering a surprise move for Bale.
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