José Mourinho faces immediate pressure to deliver silverware at Real Madrid after returning to the Santiago Bernabéu, with club legend Steve McManaman insisting that results will be the priority for the Portuguese manager.

Real Madrid have gone two consecutive seasons without a major trophy, increasing the pressure on Mourinho as he begins his second spell in charge of the Spanish giants.

McManaman, who spent four successful years at Real Madrid and won two Champions League titles with the club, believes Mourinho’s primary responsibility is to restore domestic dominance and ensure the club finishes above Barcelona.

Speaking in an interview with GOAL, the former England international suggested that there is little room for patience at a club where winning trophies is considered essential.

Mourinho’s return comes after Real Madrid made significant investments in their squad during the summer transfer window, adding several reinforcements as they attempt to close the gap on Barcelona.

The Portuguese coach has already acknowledged the scale of his task, describing his return as a “mission” focused on rebuilding standards, hard work, responsibility and ambition within the squad.

For McManaman, however, attractive football cannot come at the expense of results.

The former winger believes Mourinho must deliver La Liga success and, crucially, finish ahead of Barcelona after the Catalan club’s recent dominance.

Real Madrid’s star-studded squad means expectations remain extremely high. Kylian Mbappé has already scored 86 goals and won two European Golden Boots since joining the club but is yet to celebrate a major trophy with the Spanish giants.

Mourinho’s challenge will therefore be to find the right balance between his traditionally pragmatic approach and the attacking expectations associated with Real Madrid.

During his first spell at the club between 2010 and 2013, Mourinho won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup, but his tenure was also marked by intense scrutiny and controversy.

Now, more than a decade later, the 63-year-old returns with the pressure even greater.

With Real Madrid unwilling to endure a third successive trophyless season, McManaman’s assessment suggests Mourinho’s remit is straightforward: win.

Whether he achieves that through spectacular football or a more pragmatic approach may ultimately matter less at the Bernabéu than whether he puts major silverware back in the club’s trophy cabinet.