Manchester United is finalizing a deal to sign Mexican international Rebeca Bernal from the NWSL's Washington Spirit, a source told ESPN. Once she joins the club, Bernal will become the first Mexican to play in the Women's Super League. The announcement is expected ahead of Manchester United's season-opener on Sept. 4.

Bernal, a defender/defensive midfielder, has been a key figure for both club and country, earning 20 appearances for the Spirit in 2026 and 65 total caps for her national team. Before moving to the NWSL in 2025, she played for Liga Femenil's Monterrey in Mexico. On Sunday, Bernal wasn't featured in the Spirit's 1-0 win over Bay FC.

Ahead of the match, she was listed as an "excused absence.".