Manchester United’s sacking of Jose Mourinho has been described as a “shame” by Real Madrid defender Marcelo.

The Portuguese was relieved of his services at Old Trafford on Tuesday following a poor run of results that sees the club sit sixth in the Premier League table.

Mourinho was at the helm at Madrid between 2010 and 2013 and has been linked with a return to the European champions.

Asked about Mourinho’s exit from United, Marcelo said on Tuesday: “It’s a shame because he is a great coach, who is without a club. Whether he returns to Madrid is not up to me. He has done great things for Real Madrid.”