Manchester United have signed Mexico captain Rebeca Bernal from Washington Spirit on a contract until June 2029, with the midfielder available to make her debut in Friday’s Women’s Super League opener against London City Lionesses.
Washington received an undisclosed transfer fee with conditional add-ons for the 29-year-old, who will wear the number 16 shirt at United.
Bernal becomes United’s fourth senior signing of the summer following Andrea Medina, Janina Leitzig and Monica Jusu Bah. Head coach Eva Olid has confirmed that the club are not expecting to complete any further business before Thursday night’s transfer deadline.
Transfer snapshot
- Player: Rebeca Bernal
- Age: 29
- Positions: Defensive midfielder and centre-back
- From: Washington Spirit
- To: Manchester United
- Transfer: Permanent
- Fee: Undisclosed, with conditional add-ons
- Contract: Until June 2029
- Squad number: 16
- Washington Spirit record: 50 appearances
- Mexico record: 78 appearances and nine goals
- International role: Mexico captain
- Availability: Eligible for Friday’s WSL opener against London City Lionesses
Bernal available for Manchester United debut
Bernal is scheduled to take part in her first training session with United on Thursday before travelling with the squad for the opening match of the 2026/27 season.
Olid confirmed during her first pre-match press conference that the new signing is available for selection against London City at the Copperjax Community Stadium.
The midfielder worked with a Spanish coach before arriving in Manchester to help her adapt quickly to Olid’s playing principles. Whether she starts after only one session with her new teammates remains to be seen, but United can include her in Friday’s squad.
Her number 16 shirt was most recently worn by Lisa Naalsund, who joined Birmingham City earlier this summer. Lauren James and Signe Bruun have also previously worn the number for United Women.
First Mexican player set to appear in the WSL
Rebeca Bernal is set to become the first Mexican player to compete in the Women’s Super League. She is also only the second Mexican footballer to represent Manchester United’s senior teams. Javier Hernández became the first when he joined the men’s side from Guadalajara in 2010.
Bernal has made 78 senior appearances for Mexico and scored nine goals. She captains the national team and scored the decisive goal in the 2023 Pan American Games final, securing a 1-0 victory over Chile and Mexico’s first women’s football gold medal at the competition.
“The privilege of representing Manchester United is truly incredible,” Bernal said following the completion of her transfer. The midfielder highlighted the opportunity to work with Olid and said she intends to bring her experience and leadership to United’s young squad.
Leadership and defensive versatility
Bernal has spent much of her career operating as a defensive midfielder but can also play at centre-back. That versatility gives Olid another option both in front of the defence and within the back line. United director of women’s football Matt Johnson identified Bernal’s quality, leadership and winning mentality as central reasons for the signing.
She arrives with considerable experience from Mexico and the United States. Bernal played 223 matches for CF Monterrey before moving to Washington in February 2025.
During her time with Monterrey, she developed into one of the leading players in Liga MX Femenil and helped the club win four league titles. She subsequently made 50 appearances for Washington across all competitions.
Bernal’s Spirit debut ended with silverware when Washington defeated Orlando Pride on penalties to win the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup. She converted during the shootout and remained an important part of the side that reached a second consecutive NWSL Championship final.
United complete summer recruitment
Rebeca Bernal completes a four-player senior recruitment programme during Olid’s first summer as Manchester United head coach. Andrea Medina strengthened the defence after joining from Atlético Madrid, while goalkeeper Janina Leitzig arrived from Leicester City. Sweden attacker Monica Jusu Bah subsequently signed from BK Häcken on a contract running until 2030.
Bernal supplies experience and leadership within that group and immediately becomes one of the most experienced internationals in United’s squad.
Olid has said no more summer arrivals are expected before the WSL deadline at 23:00 BST on Thursday. However, the head coach confirmed that United already have plans for further activity during the January transfer window.
The immediate focus is Friday’s opening match against London City Lionesses, where Bernal could make her first appearance only two days after her transfer was announced.
Source: Manchester United
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