Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has ruled out making a move for Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale, as he believes that he would simply be 'wasting his time'.

The Wales international has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Red Devils, despite his insistence that he is happy with life at the Bernabeu.

Mourinho admitted defeat in his attempt to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Madrid last week, stating that it was the "impossible mission", and the Portuguese feels that he faces a similar task persuading teammate Bale to swap clubs this summer.

Asked if it also "impossible" to sign the former Tottenham Hotspur man, he told reporters: "Yes, the same. You have contacts, you have feelings, you understand things. I think it was clear that Bale likes Madrid, likes the challenge, likes the situation.

"He's in a club in a very good situation now. I never felt a desire from him to leave so why waste time and energy on that?"

Bale is expected to play a part for Madrid in Sunday evening's friendly against United at Levi's Stadium in California.